Webinar | What to Do About Screens in Schools? Phones, Tablets, and Focus in the Classroom

Speakers

1. Antero Garcia, PhD
Professor
Stanford University
Moderator

2. Sachin Maharaj, PhD
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Policy and Program Evaluation
Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa

3. Melanie Johnson, EdD
President and CEO
Collaborative for Children

4. Matt Brady, MS
Teacher
Atkins Technological and Academic High School

5. Abraham Flanigan, PhD
Associate Professor of Educational Psychology
Georgia Southern University

Description

What do we know about the effectiveness of phone bans, and what do experts recommend for device use in the classroom?

School phone bans. One-to-one devices. Class-time screen use. These hot-button issues are sparking debate in schools and households around the country as educators and parents grapple with how device use during school time impacts student focus, learning, and development. But what do we know about the effectiveness of phone bans, and what do experts recommend for device use in the classroom?

Children and Screens held the timely #AskTheExperts webinar kicking off the Fall 2025 season, “What To Do About Screens in Schools? Phones, Tablets, and Focus in the Classroom” on Wednesday August 20, 2025 from 3:30pm ET – 5:00pm ET. A panel of teachers, administrators, and other education experts:

• Discussed the nuanced issues surrounding phone bans and classroom devices;
• Offered practical guidance on how to balance school screen time to support learning, development, and well-being; and
• Equipped parents with answers and insights to better support their child’s use of devices at school.