Tennessee General Assembly Approves Bill to Limit Screen Time for K-5 Students
The Tennessee General Assembly has passed a bill aimed at reducing screen time for elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The legislation, known as House Bill 2393, mandates that school districts develop policies prioritizing teacher-led instruction and non-electronic materials over digital devices. The bill also prohibits students from accessing social media during school hours. State Rep. Michele Reneau, the bill's sponsor, highlighted concerns about students' reading struggles, shorter attention spans, and retention issues, attributing these problems to the prevalent use of digital devices in classrooms. The bill includes exceptions for virtual schools, students with disabilities, and state-mandated electronic tests. It has been approved by the Tennessee House and Senate and now awaits the governor's signature.