Wisconsin lawmaker proposes ban on classroom screens for youngest students
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- How early is too early to introduce kids to tech and screen time? Especially as it has become an everyday use in education. One lawmaker is drafting legislation that would ban screens in pre-K through second grade classrooms.
Earlier this year, American Federation of Teachers, the second largest teachers union in the state, called for a screen ban for students in pre-k through second grade. That ask of schools is part of their 10-point plan called Devices down, eyes up, hands on. It’s a call to action State Representative David Steffen feels is necessary.
“The reality is that the science is pretty clear that our youngest of students, when they are oversaturated with technology, it harms them. It harms them academically, socially, psychologically,” State Rep. Steffen (R) Howard said.
The legislation which is still being drafted would require Wisconsin school boards to adopt a technology access policy that limits screen use for students in prekindergarten through second grade. Generally, students would not be able to use screen-based electronics during the school day.
Teachers would not be able to assign homework to those students if it requires internet access or the use of a screen-based device. There would be exceptions for students with an IEP or 504 plan, which requires a device, meeting state computer science standards, state or federal emergency, which may require virtual learning, and preparation for standardized testing. Independent charter schools would also be required to have a technology access policy that is at least as restrictive as the one required for public school districts.
“We want to see this change happening in as many schools and families as possible,” Amy Martino, the co-founder of the Madison-based group Parent Check on Tech, said.
Parent Check on Tech started as a group of parents in her community who were concerned about cellphones in the classroom. They advocated for the state law that requires school districts to adopt a cellphone ban during instruction time at the Capitol and at their local school board. Now, the group has turned its focus on tech and AI. They are currently circulating a petition that would remove screens from pre-K thorough second grade, limit the use of screens in third grade through eighth, and delay school-issued devices from being given out until high school.
“Public schools are underfunded and they need to spend the money that they have on students facing human teachers, that are proven to be the most effective way for kids to learn,” Martino said.
As for Rep. Steffen, he believes this is a step in the right direction, and he hopes it will cause all school districts to take a look at their use of tech.
“I absolutely believe that this will help with student attention span, student performance, retention, ability, all the things that we are looking for for our kids, especially pre-k through second, to benefit,” Steffen said.
This piece of legislation is something Steffen plans on bringing forward in the 2027 legislative session. Until then, he says he is actively talking to teachers, parents and districts to make sure the legislation is crafted just right. A draft of the bill can be seen below.