Lockhart ISD Reduces Elementary Classroom Screen Time by 50% to Promote Play and Hands-On Learning
The Lockhart Independent School District (ISD) in Central Texas has launched a new initiative called 'Childhood Unlocked' for the 2026-27 school year, aiming to significantly reduce classroom screen time for elementary students. The district's Board of Trustees approved a plan to cut screen time by 50 percent while simultaneously increasing opportunities for free play and recess by the same amount. This initiative extends to secondary students as well, who will also receive more free play time, and their classroom device usage will be limited to no more than half of each class period. To facilitate these changes, Lockhart ISD is expanding recess for pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students, adding morning and afternoon sessions. Students in sixth through eighth grade will have designated free-play time before school and during lunch. Teachers are undergoing training to use technology more intentionally, focusing on integrating hands-on activities and traditional instructional methods rather than repla...
