About This Episode

Season 7. Episode 17.

Screens are now part of nearly every aspect of childhood, from classrooms and homework to entertainment and social connection. But how is this constant exposure changing the way kids learn, think, and interact with the world around them?

In this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall speaks with Emily Cherkin, educator, author, and nationally recognized expert on kids and screen use, often known as “The Screentime Consultant.” A former classroom teacher who has advised families, schools, policymakers, and even testified before Congress, Cherkin brings a thoughtful and balanced perspective to one of the most pressing conversations in education today.

Together, they explore the misconceptions surrounding “screen time,” the growing use of technology in schools, the differences between traditional and digital learning, and the challenges families face navigating devices at home and in the classroom. The conversation also examines screen habits, social pressure, technology in early childhood, and practical ways parents and educators can create healthier relationships with screens.

This episode offers an important look at how technology is shaping modern childhood and what schools and families can do moving forward.

Featured Guests

Emily Cherkin, M.Ed.

Author, Speaker, Tech-IntentionalTM Expert

Biography

Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., The Screentime Consultant, is leading the
fight for a Tech-IntentionalTM childhood. Emily works with schools,
families, policymakers, and advocacy organizations to ensure the
future of education prioritizes skills, safety, and relationships over
screens, EdTech, and A.I. Emily is an author, speaker, consultant,
and associate professor of public policy at the University of
Washington. She is also co-chair of Fairplay’s Screens in Schools
Action Network and the lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit
against one of the largest EdTech companies in the world.
Emily is also the creator of the UnPlug EdTech Toolkit.