Assistant Secretary Roth Commends FCC NPRM on E-Rate, Excessive Screen Use for Children

WASHINGTON—Today, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth released the following statement on the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing E-Rate-funded networks:

“I welcome the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on reforms to the E-Rate program to better protect children, including by addressing excessive screen time in schools. 

“NTIA was grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the FCC on this important effort.  Last December, NTIA convened a public listening session on the drivers and consequences of excessive screen use in schools, bringing together parents, educators, and child development experts from across the country. That session took a hard look at how federal law, broadband funding, and federal programs shape children's technology use in schools. The insights shared during that discussion have informed the Trump Administration’s ongoing work on these issues and contributed to the development of today’s proposal.

“Today’s FCC action is part of a broader Trump Administration effort to put the wellbeing of America’s children first. Last month, HHS  released the first-ever Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use: An Advisory and Toolkit on How to Protect Children and Adolescents, offering practical, science-based guidance to help families, schools, and communities reduce harmful screen exposure. Together, these efforts reflect a growing recognition that technology should be used thoughtfully in classroom settings, with decisions guided by evidence about what best supports learning, healthy development, and student well-being—not at the expense of the critical thinking, face-to-face interaction, and other experiences children need to thrive.

“The conversation NTIA began last December continues to grow, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration across the Administration to ensure that federal programs and funding advance educational outcomes while promoting the health, development, and long-term success of America's children.”