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New National Survey of Educators Finds Screen Time Conversation More Complex Than Headlines Suggest, Indicating that Not All Classroom Tech Is Created Equal

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Annual Savvas Educator Index reveals educators distinguish between instructional technology and digital distraction, favoring tools that directly support learning

PARAMUS, N.J., Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the national debate over blanket classroom screen time limits intensifies, a new survey from Savvas Learning Company reveals that educators are pushing for a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that the focus should shift from the quantity of screen time to the instructional value of classroom technology.

Finding the right balance and the right use of technology for the classroom should be an objective we all share.

Nearly a third of educators feel the current public narrative does not reflect the realities of the classroom, while at the same time an overwhelming 92% distinguish between passive and instructional technology use. Ultimately, these findings from the 2026 Savvas Educator Index, a national survey of more than 1,700 U.S. public school educators, suggest that the conversation needs to move beyond a binary choice of more or less screen time, centering instead on how technology can meaningfully support student outcomes.

“Rather than simply imposing one-size-fits-all, blanket limits on screen time use in K-12 classrooms, we must take into consideration the quality and pedagogical intent of the specific digital content and edtech tools being used,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader. “Finding the right balance and the right use of technology for the classroom should be an objective we all share. Our goal should be to equip educators with digital solutions and data-driven insights that help strengthen instruction, make learning more meaningful and personalized, and improve student outcomes.”

Key Finding: Educators Want Screen Time Used Purposefully

Most educators in the survey, which included district-level and school-level administrators as well as teachers, believe classroom screen time should be limited, but nearly all distinguish between passive screen use and instructional use, particularly when it comes to engaging students:

82% of educators believe screen time in the classroom should be limited, with 59% saying it should be limited but used purposefully with pedagogically sound content.Despite screen time concerns, 63% of educators said school-provided technology does increase student engagement in their classroom or district. That finding is especially significant given that 66% identified lack of engagement and motivation as top challenges students will face in the 2026–27 school year.

Educators’ views on appropriate classroom screen time per school day shift by grade level:

76% of K-2 teachers and 61% of 3-5 teachers believe students should spend less than one hour using screens.Especially for these young learners, educators emphasized short bursts of technology use, with 25% of K-2 teachers preferring screen time being limited to 15-20 minute spans.Meanwhile, more than 40% of middle and high school teachers believe one to two hours is the right amount of screen time, while approximately a third believe students should spend less than an hour on screens.

Educators also drew clear distinctions between the appropriate amount of screen time for different types of classroom technology:

Nearly all (92%) educators agreed personal smartphones and smart watches have no place in the classroom.70% indicated educational games and apps should be used in 15-20 minute intervals, while more than half favored the same amount of time for adaptive and digital instructional materials.

Key Finding: Technology Must Earn Its Place in the Classroom

Educators consistently prioritized technology that improves learning outcomes while simultaneously expressing concern that some tools are too often used for convenience rather than educational value:

56% of all teachers selected practice and skills-building tools as one of the most valuable types of technology for student learning, followed by interactive or adaptive learning tools at 50%.54% of all teachers described the current level of students’ technology use in their classroom as “just right,” driven by 62% of K-5 teachers. Meanwhile, 40% of teachers overall reported that technology use is “too much,” a number that rises to 52% among high school teachers.87% of educators believe school-provided technology is sometimes used when it isn’t necessary, with 56% of those respondents saying it is used unnecessarily to specifically fill time or keep students occupied, including 71% of school and district administrators and 49% of teachers.72% of educators selected “Does it support student learning?” as one of the most important questions to ask when evaluating school-provided technology’s effectiveness in the classroom.

Educators anticipate students’ use of AI to increase during the coming school year, while continuing to favor measured use over frequent reliance:

51% of educators overall believe their students will use AI more during the 2026–27 school year than during the 2025–26 school year. That expectation rises to 75% among district administrators and 73% among high school teachers.60% of educators, when asked how often they would ideally like students to use AI for schoolwork, selected a response within the moderate range, including 35% of educators who prefer that students “use AI in limited, teacher-guided ways.”

“Educators are drawing an important distinction between technology that advances learning and technology that merely adds more screen time to the school day,” said Forsa. “Their message is clear: Digital tools, including AI, have a valuable place in the classroom when they are thoughtfully designed, purposefully used, and guided by teachers. Listening to educators’ perspectives is essential as we continue developing high-quality learning solutions that strengthen instruction, deepen engagement, and support student success.”

ABOUT THE SURVEY
Now in its third year, the Savvas Educator Index surveys K-12 educators on timely issues shaping education today. The 2026 survey explored educators’ perspectives on classroom technology, screen time, artificial intelligence, instructional materials, student engagement, and anticipated challenges for the 2026–27 school year.

The nationwide survey of 1,709 U.S.-based K-12 public-school educators included 158 district-level administrators, 344 school-level administrators, and 1,207 teachers. Respondents represented 49 states and the District of Columbia. The online survey was conducted from May 26 to June 21, 2026.

Learn more about the key findings from the 2026 Savvas Educator Index.

ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY
At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry’s most innovative portfolio of college and career readiness solutions — all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company.

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SOURCE Savvas Learning Company

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Global Brands Magazine Honours Winners at Global Brand Awards 2026 in Dubai

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October 5, 2026

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ADNOC Distribution, SASREF, Emirates NBD, HP and Sobha Realty among the organisations represented at Global Brands Magazine’s 14th awards ceremony

LONDON, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Brands Magazine held the 14th Global Brand Awards at Address Sky View, Dubai, on 2 October, recognising companies across banking, energy, aviation, technology, real estate and other industries.

Representatives of ADNOC Distribution, SASREF, Emirates NBD, HP Computing and Printing Middle East, Sobha Realty, Saudi Global Ports and Bin Sulaiman Group joined the ceremony, alongside award recipients from international markets. The Global Brand Awards is an annual international awards programme presented exclusively by Global Brands Magazine.

Awards Presented in Dubai

Mr. Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, and Dr. Sunil Ambalavelil, Lawyer and Global Executive Chairman, Kaden Boriss, were among the distinguished guests at the awards presentations.

The evening recognised businesses from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries, with awards spanning financial services, energy, ports and logistics, property, hospitality, automotive, education and lifestyle. GBM’s research considers performance, innovation, customer experience and consistency within each company’s market.

Jay Reddy, Chief Executive Officer of Global Brands Magazine, said:

“It was a privilege to welcome so many accomplished organisations and business leaders to Dubai for our 14th Global Brand Awards. Seeing companies from different countries and industries come together made the evening particularly special. I congratulate all our 2026 winners and thank our guests, speakers, partners and everyone involved in making this year’s ceremony such a success.”

Speakers Address AI and Brand Building

The ceremony also featured two talks on artificial intelligence. Mervyn D’Couto, Chief Marketing Officer at HeyBobo, presented “Say Hello to HeyBobo – Your Personal Wellness Companion,” looking at AI and personalised experiences.

Rachel Meuleman, Founder of The Bizz Advisors and BizzAngels, spoke on “AI Can Build Your Brand. Humans Make People Believe It.” Her session examined how businesses can use AI in brand building while retaining the human connection that earns customer trust.

HeyBobo Dyaan and Zaga Urban Support the Ceremony

HeyBobo was the Platinum Sponsor of the Global Brand Awards 2026, with Dyaan and Zaga Urban as event sponsors. Global Brands Magazine thanked the sponsors for supporting the Dubai awards ceremony.

Dyaan (dyaan.org) is a satellite-data analysis and environmental monitoring platform that helps users track changes in land, water and vegetation. Zaga Urban (zagaurban.com) is a construction, architecture and interior design company delivering residential and commercial projects.

About Global Brands Magazine

Global Brands Magazine is a UK-based publication covering brands, business leadership and industry developments. Its annual Global Brand Awards programme recognises businesses across sectors and markets. The Dubai ceremony on 2 October 2026 marked the programme’s 14th edition.
www.globalbrandsmagazine.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-brands-magazine-honours-winners-at-global-brand-awards-2026-in-dubai-302898074.html

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Dahua and PARC Foundation Join Forces to Protect Dreams and Empower Young Filipino Talent

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October 5, 2026

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TAGUIG CITY, Philippines, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their talent, pursue their dreams, and build a brighter future. Yet for children from low-income families and children with special needs, access to opportunities can often be limited by circumstances beyond their control.

Recognizing the importance of giving these young talents a chance to be seen, heard, and supported, global security brand Dahua Technology is partnering with the PARC Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people develop their potential through music and the arts.

Through the “WITHS You, Protect Dreams” campaign, Dahua is extending its commitment beyond protecting people and places to supporting something equally valuable—the dreams and potential of young people who may face greater barriers in pursuing them.

The partnership supports talented children, including those from underserved families and children with special needs, who have a passion and ability in music and the arts. For some of these young talents, access to instruments, training, teachers, and learning opportunities may simply be out of reach for their families. By helping provide these resources, the initiative gives them a chance to develop their abilities, build confidence, express themselves, and explore what they may be capable of achieving.

For children with special needs in particular, music and the arts can provide meaningful ways to communicate, connect with others, and express themselves. For families with limited resources, access to quality arts education can also open a door that might otherwise remain closed—not simply as an artistic pursuit, but as an opportunity for children to discover their strengths and build confidence in themselves.

Their stories remind us that talent can be found everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible.

As part of the campaign, Dahua will donate PHP 25 to the PARC Foundation for every participating Dahua WITHS product purchased during the campaign period. Through this initiative, customers can make their purchases part of a meaningful cause, while Dahua contributes additional support to help young talents access the resources they need.

“Through WITHS You, Protect Dreams, we want to extend our commitment to protecting what matters most—not only people and places, but also the dreams and potential of young people. By working together with PARC Foundation, we hope to help create more opportunities for young talents to learn, grow, express themselves, and pursue their dreams,” said Dahua Philippines.

The initiative reflects Dahua’s belief that security goes beyond technology. It is also about creating a more supportive environment where people can pursue what matters to them and build a better future.

Together with PARC Foundation, Dahua hopes to help more young talents be seen, heard, and supported.

Every dream deserves a chance. Every talent deserves support. And Dahua is WITHS them.

Follow Dahua Philippines on Facebook to learn more about the campaign.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/dahua-and-parc-foundation-join-forces-to-protect-dreams-and-empower-young-filipino-talent-302898097.html

SOURCE Dahua Technology

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CyberDSA 2026 Opens in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia’s AI Ambition Puts Cybersecurity, Trust and Sovereign Capability in Sharper Focus

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October 5, 2026

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As CyberDSA opens its fourth edition at MITEC, attention turns from what AI can deliver to what Malaysia must be able to secure, govern and control as AI becomes embedded across the economy.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cyber Digital Services, Defence & Security Asia (CyberDSA) 2026 officially opened today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, bringing together government, defence and security agencies, regulators, industry leaders, technology providers and researchers as Malaysia advances its ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030.

The three-day event, now in its fourth edition, was officially opened by YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, Deputy Minister of Digital Malaysia.

The opening comes as the race to adopt artificial intelligence creates another, less visible challenge: securing the data, infrastructure, networks and digital systems on which AI, businesses and essential services increasingly depend.

For Malaysia, where AI adoption is moving from policy ambition to implementation, the two agendas cannot be separated.

The question is no longer simply what AI can do for Malaysia, but what Malaysia must be able to secure, govern and control as AI becomes more deeply embedded across the economy.

Cybersecurity is therefore no longer a protective function at the edge of digital transformation; it is a condition on which digital transformation depends.

In his opening address, YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong emphasised that Malaysia’s ambition to become an AI Nation must be underpinned by security, trust and national capability. “An AI nation must also be a secure nation. AI depends on data. Data depends on infrastructure. Infrastructure depends on security. And ultimately, the willingness of people and businesses to participate in the digital economy depends on trust. Remove trust from that equation, and the entire proposition becomes considerably weaker,” he said.

Malaysia’s current direction reflects this shift. The Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030 (MD2030) sets out the country’s pathway towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030, while the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 translates that ambition into implementation across government, business and society. The establishment of AI Malaysia Berhad, the country’s national lead AI agency under the Ministry of Digital, places governance, trust, assurance and national capability alongside adoption and innovation in that agenda.

The greater the role of AI, data and connected systems in the economy, the greater the consequence when those systems are compromised.

Held under the theme “Advancing Secure AI, Strengthening Digital Trust, and Safeguarding Data Sovereignty,” CyberDSA 2026 brings the security implications of rapid digitalisation into the same room as the technologies driving it.

The opening ceremony brought together government, defence and security agencies, regulators, cybersecurity practitioners, technology companies, researchers and industry leaders from Malaysia and abroad.

This breadth reflects how far the cybersecurity conversation has moved. Financial systems, telecommunications, energy, water, transportation, public services and increasingly connected cities are generating and relying on growing volumes of data, while automation and AI are becoming more deeply integrated into decision-making and service delivery.

Cybersecurity is therefore about more than preventing intrusion. It is about preserving confidence in the integrity of information, maintaining continuity when systems are attacked, protecting sensitive and strategic data, and ensuring critical digital capabilities remain resilient under pressure.

Data sovereignty adds another dimension to the challenge. As organisations increasingly rely on cloud infrastructure, AI models and technology ecosystems that cross jurisdictions, questions over where data resides, who can access it and under whose rules it is governed are becoming strategic considerations for governments and businesses.

That breadth is also visible on the exhibition floor, where 167 participating companies and organisations from 21 countries are presenting technologies and capabilities spanning system integration, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Operations Centre (SOC) capabilities and managed security services, data protection and encryption, cryptography, cyber ranges, threat monitoring and intelligence, network, cloud and endpoint security, telecommunications and satellite capabilities, as well as cyber defence, cyber warfare, electronic warfare and AI infrastructure.

The range reflects an increasingly interconnected security environment, where protecting an organisation, critical infrastructure or national system requires securing data, networks, endpoints, cloud environments, communication infrastructure and the intelligence used to detect and respond to threats.

Across its exhibition, conference, flash talks, MoU signings and specialised programmes, CyberDSA 2026 brings together policymakers, regulators, defence and law enforcement agencies, critical infrastructure operators, CISOs, researchers and technology providers—stakeholders that may approach cybersecurity from different perspectives but increasingly share the same dependencies.

For Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd, organiser of CyberDSA, the event’s continued development is shaped not simply by its growth, but by its relevance to the governments, industries and technology communities it was created to serve.

Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Chairman of Aerosea Exhibitions, said the value of a platform such as CyberDSA lies in its ability to keep pace with the priorities and challenges taking shape beyond the exhibition hall.

“A platform such as this must reflect what governments are prioritising, what industries are confronting, what capabilities the market is developing, and where greater understanding between these communities is needed,” he said.

Aerosea has positioned CyberDSA not as a marketplace for cybersecurity technologies, but as a point of convergence between national priorities and the capabilities being developed by industry.

With two days still to come, CyberDSA 2026 continues on 6 and 7 October 2026.

For those responsible for building, operating, protecting or governing the systems on which an increasingly digital world depends, the conversation is far from over.

-END-

For further information, kindly contact:

Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd

Tengku Dayana
PR & Communications

Email: dayana@aeroseaexhibitions.com
Tel: +603 2702 7702
Website: www.cyberdsa.com

Social Media:

Facebook: @CyberDSA https://www.facebook.com/CyberDSAInstagram: @CyberDSA https://www.instagram.com/cyberdsa/LinkedIn: @CyberDSA https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-dsaYouTube: @CyberDSA https://www.youtube.com/@cyberdsa8206 TikTok: @CyberDSA https://www.tiktok.com/@cyberdsa X: @CyberDSA https://x.com/CyberDsa 

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SOURCE CyberDSA

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