Dallas – Governor Greg Abbott used a campaign stop at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi on Sept. 13 to unveil a new education initiative: limiting the amount of time students spend on screens while in school. Abbott said technology should be reserved for specific lessons and assessments, not as a substitute for teachers or proven teaching methods.
What the proposal entails
While the governor did not spell out exact hour caps, he emphasized that any screen use should be purposeful and directly tied to curriculum goals. Abbott’s remarks echo recent moves by Texas school districts to curb “passive” screen time and reinforce traditional instructional practices.
Current district actions
Dallas Independent School District rolled out grade‑based guidelines this month. Pre‑K through second grade students may use screens for less than an hour per day. Grades three through five are limited to under an hour and a half, and middle‑school students (grades six through eight) may have up to two hours of screen time daily. High‑school limits were left open, recognizing that course requirements vary widely.
Richardson ISD adopted a policy aimed at reducing “passive” screen time. Teachers can no longer reward students with extra device use, and students who finish work early are not permitted to linger on their devices for the remainder of class. In‑class laptops and tablets remain allowed, but administrators ask educators to be judicious about the amount of time spent on them.
Research backing the push
Several recent studies support Abbott’s concerns. A Toronto‑based study released in October found that higher screen exposure—including television and digital media—correlated with lower reading and math test scores for third‑ and sixth‑grade students. Another survey of 600 teachers nationwide, conducted by Auburn University’s College of Education and released in June, revealed that about 85 % of educators believe students spend too much time on screens during class. Teachers reported shorter attention spans and a growing reliance on spell‑check and autocorrect tools, which can impede writing development.
How other states are responding
Texas is not alone in addressing classroom screen time. Lawmakers in Iowa, Utah, Tennessee and Alabama have enacted policies that set limits on student device use during school hours. Several additional states are exploring similar measures, indicating a broader national conversation about balancing technology integration with traditional learning methods.
Governor Abbott’s broader education agenda
Abbott’s screen‑time proposal fits within his larger education platform, which emphasizes parental involvement, teacher authority, and the preservation of proven instructional techniques. The governor is currently seeking reelection against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, and his education stance is a key component of his campaign messaging.
Critics, including some education advocacy groups, argue that technology can enhance learning when used effectively. However, the governor’s office counters that unrestricted screen use often undermines core academic skills and distracts from teacher‑led instruction.
What’s next?
The proposal will be presented to the Texas Legislature for consideration later this year. If adopted, districts would likely be required to develop detailed implementation plans that align with the governor’s guidance while allowing flexibility for local needs.
Parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to submit feedback during the upcoming public comment period, ensuring that any final policy reflects the values and priorities of Texas families.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
