# 🔴 LIVE: Oversight Hearing on Screen Time in New York City Public Schools

This was an oversight hearing held by the New York City Council on September 15, 2026, focused on screen time and the use of digital devices in New York City public schools. The hearing featured extensive testimony from parents, educators, advocates, students, and officials from the Department of Education (DOE). Key procurement-related discussions included the DOE's recent policy limiting screen time and instituting a moratorium on generative AI use for students in grades 2K through 8 for the 2026-27 school year. The policy sets recommended daily screen time limits (30 minutes for grades 3-5, 45 minutes for grades 6-8) and restricts AI use except for assistive technologies and certain career readiness programs. DOE officials discussed vendor oversight, data privacy protections under the IRMA process, and the need for evidence-based evaluation of educational technology tools, including pilot programs to assess AI tools' effectiveness. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of data privacy audits, parental consent for data sharing, and the enforcement of screen time limits, especially regarding exemptions for assessments and special education. The hearing also addressed issues with YouTube access on school devices, the digital divide, and the need for transparency about edtech products and their AI components. Several witnesses urged stronger mandates rather than recommendations, opt-out rights for digital assignments and assessments, and independent evaluation of edtech vendors. The hearing highlighted ongoing challenges in balancing technology use with student well-being, equity, and educational outcomes, and called for continued collaboration between the council, DOE, and community stakeholders to refine policies and procurement practices.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Information Technology
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Policy, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Sources
- [🔴 LIVE: Oversight Hearing on Screen Time in New York City Public Schools](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL-o8XpLAGY) - New York City Council