Kids, Tech in Class Is Not Helping Them Learn

The idea that every child should have a personal tablet or laptop in school is catching on, but studies show this trend may actually hurt learning. Research across the globe finds that more screen time in classrooms links to lower scores in math, reading and science. One study even says that kids who use a computer every day read less well than those who don’t. A big review of many research papers found that almost all digital tools perform worse than normal teaching methods. The worst results came from giving each student a single device, running classes entirely online, or just adding tech to the classroom without planning. Technology companies sell devices and apps with promises of great learning, yet their real goal is profit. They want every student to stay in their ecosystem so they can earn more money later. Apps are designed to keep kids “engaged” and collect data, but they often ignore skills like creativity or discussion that help true learning. Schools can also get stuck with one vendor, making it hard to switch to better tools.Traditional learning methods still work well. Reading from paper and writing by hand give better long‑term memory than screens, a fact known as the screen inferiority effect. Projects and hands‑on work also help kids understand concepts deeply, something that screens can’t replace. Some places are starting to rethink this approach. Ten states in 2026 introduced bills to review how tech is used in schools, and the big Los Angeles school district decided to cut screen time. Parents can also push for a “tech opt‑out” so their kids don’t have to use devices at school. If you think your child should not be forced to have a device in class, there is an online petition you can sign. Schools should examine whether tech actually helps students grow or just spends money on gadgets.