Legislation will propose school screen-time limits
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A state lawmaker says he'll introduce legislation to limit screen time and technology use in Indiana classrooms.
Why it matters: Just a few years after schools made major investments in technology, there's now a growing push for "distraction-free" education.
The big picture: Schools moved dramatically toward digital learning and one-to-one device programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Now, many are reconsidering the use of digital devices as concerns grow about the social, emotional and developmental consequences of kids, particularly young children, spending so much time on them.
- At least four states and several large school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, have put screen-time limits in place.
Driving the news: State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) told Axios he'll introduce legislation in the upcoming session to start putting limits on technology in classrooms.
- "My idea would not be super heavy-handed, at this point," he said. "I want to ensure that districts are purposeful about how they use technology."
What he's saying: "I think we need to look at when these things get introduced and how often through the day they are being used," Teshka said.
Context: Teshka began considering screen-time limits while working on the state's school cellphone ban — another initiative aimed at reducing distractions in the classroom and improving student well-being.
- After an initial limit on cellphones during instructional time, that legislation expanded last year to run from "bell-to-bell."
State of play: The Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project has model legislation that would limit one-to-one technology to high schools. It would also require paper-and-pencil homework in grades pre-K through 8 and prohibit recreational screen use during the school day.
- The Indiana chapter says it has provided the bills to Hoosier lawmakers.
- Teshka said he's not using a model bill but is looking at what other states and school districts are doing.
- "I want to be careful of being too reactionary," he said, "and limiting something that could have legitimate good uses. For me, it's about finding that balance."
The other side: Digital programs have become important tools to help teachers tailor instruction in classrooms with students at different learning levels.
- "We have students from gifted to brand new to the country, all in the same classroom — in a lot of our rooms," said Allyson Peterkin, principal at Daniel Webster School 46. "So that technology does help in differentiation."
What's next: The legislative session starts in January.