Alabama Schools Re-evaluate Screen Time Amidst Concerns from Educators and Parents
Alabama schools are re-evaluating the role of screen time in classrooms following concerns from veteran teachers and parents, despite a new state law restricting screen use for younger children. Governor Kay Ivey signed the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act in March, which bans screen time for children two and under, prohibits background television and passive screen time in all settings, and mandates screen-time standards and annual training for childcare facilities, Pre-K programs, and kindergarten students by January 1, 2027. Local school boards must adopt policies for kindergarten classrooms by the 2027-2028 school year. However, a WBRC investigation found that most Alabama school districts are not tracking student screen time for grades 1-12, and many lack formal opt-out processes for parents. Veteran teacher Misty Gossett, who has limited technology in her classroom for years, observes negative impacts on students' attention spans, fine motor skills, and social development due to excessiv... 
