Alabama – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has established a new commission to examine the use of screen-based instruction in K-12 classrooms and develop recommendations on how technology should be used in schools across the state.
Ivey signed Executive Order No. 745 on Wednesday creating the Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction, which will study the benefits, risks, and impact of classroom screen use and provide evidence-based recommendations for educators and policymakers.
“Responsible use of classroom screen time is a top priority of my Administration, and while we are already making a difference by passing two signature laws to address it, we can still do more,” Ivey said. “Children’s overexposure to screens is a barrier to classroom learning and the acquisition of critical emotional and social skills. We must continue exploring the proper role of screen time in classrooms of all ages.”
The commission’s creation follows two recent laws supported by Ivey aimed at addressing technology use among students.
In 2025, Alabama passed the FOCUS Act, which prohibits student cell phone use in classrooms and requires local school boards to establish internet safety policies.
The following year, Ivey signed the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, which limits the amount of screen exposure allowed for children in kindergarten classrooms and childcare facilities. State officials said the law made Alabama the first state in the nation to establish limits on classroom screen time for young learners.
Ivey said the new commission will build on those efforts by examining how technology can support education while ensuring traditional teaching methods remain central to student learning.
“Traditional classroom teaching methods emphasizing human interaction must remain the core of a child’s learning experience,” Ivey said. “We must therefore build on our progress by exploring how K-12 classrooms can also benefit from adjusting screen access so that it enhances and does not detract from learning.”
The commission will include lawmakers, educators, school administrators, health professionals, parents, technology experts, and workforce representatives.
Members appointed by Ivey include Alabama House Representative Jeana Ross, who will serve as chair, and State Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison. Other members include Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, teachers, principals, school officials, child development experts, higher education researchers, and technology representatives.
The commission will review current practices surrounding screen-based learning and evaluate how digital tools affect classroom instruction, student engagement, and child development.
Its final report will be submitted to the governor, Alabama Legislature, and State Board of Education by Dec. 1. The findings are expected to help shape potential legislation addressing screen-based instruction during the 2027 legislative session.
Ivey said the goal is to ensure technology serves as a tool that improves education rather than becoming a distraction from student learning and social development.
