Ivey Creates Panel to Study Classroom Screen Time

Gov. Kay Ivey has signed an executive order creating a new commission that will study the use of screen-based instruction in Alabama's K-12 classrooms and recommend how technology should be used to support student learning.

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Executive Order No. 745 establishes the Governor's Commission on Screen-Based Instruction, which will examine both the benefits and potential risks of classroom screen use before providing recommendations to the governor, Legislature and State Board of Education by Dec. 1.

"Responsible use of classroom screen time is a top priority of my Administration, and while we are already making a difference by passing two signature laws to address it, we can still do more," Ivey said. "Children's overexposure to screens is a barrier to classroom learning and the acquisition of critical emotional and social skills."

The commission builds on two recent education laws championed by Ivey. The FOCUS Act, passed in 2025, prohibits student cell phone use in classrooms and requires local school boards to adopt internet safety policies. Earlier this year, Alabama also became the first state to limit screen time for kindergarten classrooms and child care facilities through the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act.

"Traditional classroom teaching methods emphasizing human interaction must remain the core of a child's learning experience," Ivey said. "We must continue exploring how K-12 classrooms can benefit from adjusting screen access so that it enhances and does not detract from learning."

The governor also appointed members to serve on the commission until its final report is completed later this year.