The Palmetto Education Summit 2026

What School Leaders Need to Know About Attention, Learning, and Student Well-Being   Screen use is now part of classrooms, but not all screen use supports learning in the most productive way. In this science-based session, educators will explore the difference between entertainment and educational screen time and how screen overuse impacts attention, motivation, social connection, and learning. Drawing on neuroscience, developmental psychology, and the science of learning, Melanie Hempe, RN and founder of ScreenStrong, explains why children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to dopamine-driven digital platforms. Participants will learn the warning signs of screen overuse and how this vulnerability often appears in schools through distraction, impulsivity, anxiety, reduced motivation, and weakened peer relationships Participants will also learn practical strategies for creating low-tech learning environments that support stronger attention, deeper learning, healthier classroom culture, and improved student engagement. The session concludes with an audience Q&A featuring Evan Hempe, who offers a unique firsthand perspective on the benefits of navigating high school without a smartphone or social media.