<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3GVXfr_1GxinC5c00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3GVXfr_1GxinC5c00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>A new survey shows Alabama parents are concerned about the amount of screen time their children are exposed to at school.</figcaption></figure>MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - The Alabama Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction shared its findings of a survey at its meeting in Montgomery Tuesday morning. The survey, which included parents, teachers and administrators, asked about the benefits and drawbacks of technology in the classroom. Alabama already has the FOCUS Act in effect, which bans cell phones in public K-12 classrooms. However, there is no set state policy on how much educational material can be taught using screens, such as laptops. While many surveyed agreed that digital tools will help students in the future, more than 80 percent of respondents said students would benefit from having regular periods in the day that do not involve screens. The top policy option supported by surveyed parents and teachers was to require printed books and materials and to evaluate screen-based learning platforms. “I think they are coming up with some really good recommendations that may lead to some bills in the future,” said Rep. Jeane Ross, R-Guntersville. A handful of other states, including Iowa, have set their own policies regarding classroom screen time. Earlier this year, Iowa capped digital instruction at 60 minutes per day for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. “I believe in the wisdom of crowds, but I do know Alabama is unique and their students and our teachers have very different needs and issues that we need to address that may not look at all like other states,” said Rep. Ross. The commission is tasked with making recommendations about developmentally appropriate limits on screen usage in classrooms. “Everybody’s concerned about education and the quality of education, not just being there providing the resources, but how these resources are being used effectively and of course how it’s impacting these young minds,” said Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham. The commission will submit a final report to the governor, legislature and the state board of education by Dec. 1. Doctors say too much screen time can cause weight gain, sleep problems and increased levels of anxiety and depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests parents limit screen time for children to no more than two hours a day. Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!</div></body>

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - The Alabama Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction shared its findings of a survey at its meeting in Montgomery Tuesday morning. The survey, which included parents, teachers and administrators, asked about the benefits and drawbacks of technology in the classroom. Alabama already has the FOCUS Act...

Parents, teachers support screen time limits, push for printed learning materials in new survey

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - The Alabama Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction shared its findings of a survey at its meeting in Montgomery Tuesda

Parents, teachers support screen time limits, push for printed learning materials in new survey

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