The Screen Debate in Schools: A Double-Edged Sword for Students with Disabilities

As more than 30 states move to ban cellphones in schools—and some extend restrictions to laptops and tablets—a critical question emerges: What happens to students who rely on screens for accessibility?

A Student's Success Story

"For some kids, the screen is their accessibility tool." — Heather Martin, parent

Soraya Martin, a ninth grader with dyslexia, has seen her grades and confidence improve dramatically since she began using assistive technology. Her toolkit includes speech-to-text software, audiobooks, and note-taking apps—all of which require a screen.

But her success has been complicated by her school's new phone-lock pouches. Some teachers remain unfamiliar with the accommodations outlined in her individualized education program (IEP), creating barriers where none existed before.

The Growing Backlash Against Screens

The push to restrict devices in schools is accelerating:

• More than 30 states have banned cellphones in schools
• Alabama, Tennessee, and Utah have passed laws limiting screens, taking effect as early as July 2025
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a surgeon general's advisory on the harms of screen use

But disability advocates warn these policies often include only generic exceptions for assistive technology—and enforcement is inconsistent.

Voices of Concern

"A completely screen-free environment feels like it's throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It's not looking at 'screen free' versus 'accessibility free.'" — Heather Martin

Lindsay Jones, CEO of CAST, an organization focused on inclusive education, cautions that fast-moving policies risk leaving educators and disabled communities to figure out implementation on their own.

"We need educators, we need people with disabilities, we need assistive technology providers to weigh in on how such policies are implemented in the classroom." — Lindsay Jones

The Human Cost

For students like Soraya, the stakes are personal. Her assistive technology isn't a distraction—it's a bridge to learning. When that bridge is blocked by blanket restrictions or uninformed teachers, the consequences ripple through her education.

As schools race to limit screen time, the challenge is clear: How do we protect students from harm while ensuring that those who depend on screens aren't left behind?