BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama could become one of the first states to set statewide standards for screen time for children 5 and younger in publicly funded early learning settings.
Rep. Jeana Ross, R-Guntersville, said the bill pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session reflects a priority on how young children learn and grow.
“The earliest years of life – from birth to age five – are the most important period of brain development a child will ever experience,” Ross said in a news release from VOICES for Alabama’s Children.
“During these years, children are building the foundation for language, attention, emotional regulation and learning itself. It is critical that we prioritize relationships, play and high-quality instruction.”
The proposal reflects a broader effort by lawmakers and educators to rein in screen use following a statewide ban this year on student cell phone use during the instructional day in public K-12 schools.
Under House Bill 78, the Department of Early Childhood Education would be required to develop age-based guidelines for screen use and annual training for staff. Licensed child care facilities would be required to comply as a condition of licensure with the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
For children under 2, screen time would be prohibited, with narrow exceptions for live, interactive video calls. For children ages 2 through 4, screen time cannot exceed 30 minutes per day or 90 minutes per week, with a preference for interactive group use that promotes discussion and social interaction.
All screens would have to meet the department’s standard for high-quality programming and be actively supervised. Background television and passive screen time would be prohibited.
Early Childhood Secretary Ami Brooks said the bill reinforces evidence-based guidance for early learning environments.
“By setting clear, developmentally appropriate limits on screen time, this legislation helps protect young children from the well-documented risks of excessive screen exposure while supporting healthy learning environments statewide,” Brooks said in the same news release.
Also in the news release, Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner said caregiver interaction remains central to early growth.
“We know caregiver interactions and communication are vital for the proper growth and socialization of children,” she said.
VOICES for Alabama’s Children Executive Director Tracye Strichik called the bill a “thoughtful balance.”
“It ensures technology enhances learning rather than replaces essential early experiences.” she said in the release “By grounding policy in research and best practices, Alabama has an opportunity to lead the nation in safeguarding healthy development while supporting educators and families.”
State Superintendent Eric Mackey, asked after a recent State Board of Education meeting, said science must guide education policy. “Science has to drive what we do, and the science and the research shows that over exposure to screens can be detrimental to children,” Mackey said.
The bill requires local boards of education to adopt a screen time policy for kindergarten classrooms.
“There’s going to always be a place for technology, especially in upper grades but really there ought to be very limited use of screens with four and five year olds,” Mackey said.
The bill is expected to be considered in January when the 2026 session begins and if passed, becomes effective Jan. 1, 2027.
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