Veteran Teacher Advocates for Reduced Classroom Screen Time Amidst U.S. Department of Education Guidance
Misty Gossett, a veteran teacher in Walker County, Alabama, is advocating for significantly limiting screen time in classrooms, a stance she adopted years ago after observing negative impacts on her students' learning and development. Gossett, who began teaching in 1998, noted a decline in handwriting, attention spans, fine motor skills, creativity, and social interaction among students with increased screen exposure. Her classroom now largely eschews iPads and tablets, favoring traditional methods. This approach aligns with recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, which advises schools to evaluate and restrict screen time when it does not genuinely benefit learning. The guidance encourages transparency regarding screen usage and the removal of ineffective digital tools. A WBRC 6 News investigation revealed that most Alabama school districts do not track student screen time, and few have formal opt-out policies for parents, despite growing concerns from educators and parents alike. 
