FCC Reviews $3 Billion E-Rate Program Amid Concerns Over Screen Time in Schools

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on June 4, 2026, that it is initiating a review of its E-Rate program, which provides approximately $3 billion annually in internet access subsidies for eligible schools and libraries. The review is prompted by concerns that increased screen time in schools may be linked to declining academic performance. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr noted that the surge in screen time, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, could be contributing to poor educational outcomes, referencing an advisory from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Carr emphasized the need for parental oversight regarding technology use in classrooms, stating that many parents may lack awareness of how screens are utilized in schools. The FCC aims to ensure that the E-Rate program promotes positive educational outcomes rather than distractions. The agency plans to conduct a comprehensive review and is open to various reforms, including potential transparency requirements and funding changes. A vote on formally opening the review and soliciting public comment is scheduled for June 25.