Abbott Calls for Limits on Classroom Screen Use in Texas
Governor Greg Abbott proposed restricting student screen time in Texas schools, saying technology should be used only for specific lessons and assessments. The proposal comes a year after a statewide cellphone ban and as districts like Dallas ISD have introduced their own grade-level screen time limits. Abbott did not specify exact restrictions but emphasized that technology should not replace teachers.
Abbott's proposal follows a statewide cellphone ban enacted last year and arrives as districts take independent action. Dallas ISD now caps daily screen use by grade level, from under an hour for the youngest students to two hours for middle schoolers, while Richardson ISD has barred teachers from using screens as rewards or filling spare class time with devices.
Research cited in the article links heavier screen use to lower reading and math scores among elementary students, and a survey of 600 teachers found 85 percent believe students spend too much classroom time on screens. Several states including Iowa, Utah, Tennessee and Alabama already restrict school screen time, with others exploring similar measures.
This proposal could reshape classroom routines across Texas, affecting millions of students, teachers, and parents. If enacted, schools may need to redesign lesson plans and invest in alternative teaching methods, while districts already managing technology budgets could face new compliance costs. Students accustomed to digital learning tools may experience adjustment challenges, though supporters argue reduced screen exposure could improve focus and academic performance. The policy's impact will likely vary by grade level and district resources, potentially widening gaps between well-funded and under-resourced schools.