At the cavernous ExCeL London during BETT 2026, the world’s largest edtech gathering from January 21-23, Tom Rogerson of Cottesmore School posed a piercing question amid the buzz of corporate displays and policy debates: Are these innovations truly child-facing, or driven by business imperatives? “Technology should enrich children’s lives, not shrink them,” Rogerson wrote in School Management Plus, capturing the tension as AI tools and interactive displays dominated the floor under the theme “Learning without limits.”

The event drew over 35,000 attendees from 130 countries, showcasing ViewSonic’s industry-first Android 16-powered ViewBoard interactive displays at Booth NK20, designed for K-12 and higher education with seamless wireless casting via myViewBoard and AirSync, as announced in a PR Newswire release. Sessions delved into AI literacy, SEND innovations, and wellbeing, with the UK government announcing £23 million for EdTech Testbeds, per a GOV.UK speech by the Education Secretary emphasizing that “AI and EdTech can never and will never replace” human teaching.

Yet beneath the optimism, Rogerson highlighted edtech’s pitfalls: systems engineered to maximize device time through infinite scrolling and streaks, eroding attention, sleep, self-esteem, and friendship. He advocated “The Art of And”—blending protection like phone-free schools with preparation via digital literacy.

BETT’s AI Surge Meets Screen Time Scrutiny

AI permeated BETT 2026, with agendas featuring “AI for Good: Bringing Responsible AI to Classrooms” by Twin Science and ministries shaping AI curricula, according to the Bett UK agenda. Forbes noted AI’s ubiquity, quipping that tossing a pen would likely hit an AI demo, revitalizing the sector post-ChatGPT. ViewSonic’s ecosystem promised energy-efficient sensors and multi-touch for collaborative learning, deployed at Teesside University for immersive experiences.

Critics, however, warned of overreach. EdSurge predicted 2026 as a year of backlash against classroom tech exposure, echoing Rogerson’s call for platforms to implement age assurance and curb addictive designs. On X, Sienna Rodgers decried unnecessary screen-based homework and primary school screens for 4-year-olds during breaks, questioning reliance on schools to limit exposure.

Linewize’s Harrison Parker forecasted unified platforms amid tightening budgets, stressing ROI and digital wellbeing tools like parental controls to counter sextortion risks, beyond mere time limits. A Guardian piece cited experts like Pasco Fearon noting rising screen time since the century’s turn, with toddlers losing “a big part of being human” per speech therapist Amanda Gillespie.

Phone Bans and Policy Fault Lines

Rogerson supported under-16 social media bans as “boundaries like seatbelts,” aligning with UK guidance for phone-free schools to foster attention and eye contact. The government echoed this, mandating phone-free defaults for fair competition via effort and kindness. Australia’s platform accountability model was praised as a shift from blaming children.

At BETT, NetSupport launched a digital strategy guide with Al Kingsley and Mark Anderson, promoting teacher modes for edtech confidence and visibility over tools. BESA highlighted sessions on selecting impactful edtech, AI in safeguarding, and wellbeing, reflecting maturation toward evidence-based solutions.

X posts amplified parental struggles: Raising Healthy Families warned screens provide “zero benefit” for young kids, modeling addiction when parents scroll nearby, depriving children of touch, smells, and interactions essential for development.

Real-World Richness vs. Digital Overload

Rogerson urged enriching lives through sports, music, outdoor education, and tech-free home rituals like bedroom bans and meal-time limits. Cottesmore’s approach integrates coding with face-to-face friendships, AI with human growth defense. Worlddidac noted BETT’s evolution toward inclusive edtech prioritizing accessibility, responsible AI, and teacher wellbeing after five years of hybrid shifts.

Teachwire’s Martin Bailey, a 15-year BETT veteran, praised CPD on AI and SEND, while ETIH spotlighted Sir Mark Grundy’s 28 years of innovation, stressing lasting school impacts on children’s worlds. X user Katherine Boyle championed boredom for creativity, criticizing constant stimulation as cruise-directing kids away from self-directed play.

Emerging trends point to consolidation: HMH and ClassPoint foresee integrated ecosystems replacing app sprawl—2,591 tools per U.S. district in 2022-23—tying analytics to outcomes like 60% retention gains. eSchool News predicted edtech beyond worksheets, aiding inquiry with neuroscience-backed visuals.

Platforms’ Burden and Parental Realities

“We are all walking our own curated paths, quite separate from each other,” Rogerson observed, critiquing feeds fueling outrage and comparison. Platforms must attack addictive patterns, he argued, as ABC News reported U.S. experts deeming time limits insufficient in an “immersive ecosystem designed to keep kids engaged.” Pew found 42% of parents feel inadequate at management, amid YouTube criticisms.

BETT’s Edtech 10 List honored women redefining the field, with hubs for collaboration on challenges. Google previewed Class tools for engagement via screen share. Yet X highlighted extremes: children on devices five hours pre-school, per BBC, and brain reactions akin to heroin in under-10s.

For insiders, the imperative is clear: demand human-first design. As Rogerson put it, “It is about attention. Sleep. Self-esteem. Friendship.” BETT 2026 crystallized edtech’s pivot—harness promise while safeguarding childhood’s irreplaceable joys.