Governor Ivey Backs Legislation to Limit Screen Time in Early Childhood Education

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced her support for the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, a new proposal that would limit electronic screen exposure in early childhood education programs and licensed childcare facilities across Alabama. The governor highlighted the measure as a priority during her State of the State address on January 13.

Ivey said the legislation is a necessary step to protect young children from the developmental risks associated with excessive screen use.

"As technology penetrates ever deeper into the lives of our youngest children, their exposure to electronic devices, particularly smart phones and tablets, risks harming critical social and cognitive development," Ivey said. "The Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act will install guardrails to protect our youngest children from these negative effects by limiting their screen access during early childhood education."

The governor noted that the bill builds on last year's FOCUS Act, which banned cell phone use in elementary and secondary classrooms. She said teachers and parents are already reporting improvements in academic performance and student interaction since that law took effect.

Bill Would Establish Statewide Guidelines for Screen Use

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jeana Ross (R–HD 27) and Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R–SD 29), directs the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education-working with the Department of Human Resources and the State Department of Education-to develop statewide guidelines for appropriate use of screen‑based media in early learning environments.

These guidelines would apply to:

- Day care centers

- Day care homes

- Group day care homes

- Night care facilities

- Pre‑K programs

- Kindergarten classrooms

Ross said the bill reflects the latest research on early childhood development.

"The earliest years of life, from birth to age five, are the most important period of brain development in a child," Ross said. "House Bill 78 ensures that screen time in early learning environments is age‑appropriate, limited, and never a substitute for hands‑on instruction or human interaction."

Training Requirements for Educators

The proposal also requires the Department of Early Childhood Education to create a training program for teachers and childcare staff on the appropriate use of screen time for young children.

Sen. Chesteen said the measure reinforces the importance of active play and human engagement in early learning.

"The Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act marks a significant step in protecting the early and most formative years of our children," Chesteen said. "This legislation ensures childhood environments prioritize active play and human interaction rather than screen exposure."

Next Steps

If approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act would take effect January 1, 2027.