A few years ago, many schools felt that every child needed a tablet or laptop. During the COVID-19 years, this idea grew very fast. By the start of the 2021–2022 school year, 96% of U.S. public schools said they gave digital devices to students who needed them. (nces.ed.gov)
Now, the mood is changing. On May 26, 2026, AP News reported that many parents, teachers, and school districts in the United States are asking for less screen time in class. In Los Angeles, the school board passed a new plan in April 2026. The plan says the district should stop giving devices to the youngest children, through second grade. It also calls for screen-time limits for older students, blocks YouTube on school devices, and bans device use at lunch and recess in elementary and middle school. (apnews.com)
Why are people worried? One big reason is distraction. Teachers say some students move from classwork to games or videos very easily. Parents also say it is hard to limit screens at home when homework, quizzes, and even reading are online. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said on May 20, 2026, that harmful screen use among children and teens is a public health concern, and that too much screen time is linked to poor health and school outcomes. (apnews.com)
But this does not mean technology is always bad. UNESCO says technology can help learning when it is used for a clear purpose and with teacher support. The same report also warns that too much technology, or technology used without care, can hurt learning. UNESCO’s update says that by the end of 2024, 79 education systems had rules banning smartphones in schools. OECD reports also say digital tools can support learning, but many students report that devices distract them in class. (unesco.org)
So, are school tablets really necessary? Maybe the best answer is: sometimes. Screens can be useful tools, but they should not control the classroom. Many schools now seem to be looking for a better balance—more real books, more writing by hand, more face-to-face talk, and less time staring at a screen. That idea is becoming stronger in 2026. (apnews.com)










