A new Missouri House bill encourages school districts to develop their own policies on elementary students’ use of laptops and iPads in the classroom, rather than setting strict statewide limits.
The bill, passed Monday by a 143-10 vote, originated with language that would have capped screen time for students at 45 minutes per day and required cursive instruction. However, after concerns from educators and parents that such mandates would impose a “one-size-fits-all” approach, the legislation was revised to give local school boards discretion in establishing technology use policies.
State Rep. Tricia Byrnes, R-Wentzville, who sponsored the bill, said during the House debate that school policies should be tailored to meet the needs of their students and supported by teachers and parents. The bill also would require schools to share information about students’ technology use with parents when requested.
Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, chairman of the House Education Committee, noted the growing use of devices like iPads and laptops in classrooms but said such technology may not be appropriate for all young students. Lewis emphasized the bill’s intent to begin reviewing screen time use without imposing state limits.
The legislation establishes a council overseen by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This council, composed of teachers, principals, parent advocates and adolescent health professionals, will create model policies for districts and advise on potential legislative changes regarding technology use in schools.
Local school districts in northeast Missouri, including those in Macon and Adair counties, will be encouraged to consider these expert guidelines while forming policies best suited for their students.
Democratic state Rep. Kathy Steinhoff of Columbia, a former educator, praised the revised bill for involving experts and empowering local districts. “I think this will be the most important bill we pass out of the education committee this year,” Steinhoff said.
The bill now moves to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.