Bill > SB2310

This bill requires local education agencies (LEAs), which are public school districts, and public charter schools in Tennessee that serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade to develop policies for the age-appropriate and instructional use of digital devices, aiming to reduce unnecessary screen time while maintaining educational effectiveness. These policies must prioritize in-person, teacher-led instruction and non-electronic materials as the main teaching methods, limit the use of school-issued digital devices to purposes with a clear educational benefit, and prohibit students from accessing social media on school internet during instructional hours. The bill also mandates that electronic assessments and instructional tools be developmentally appropriate and aligned with state standards, and that parents be informed about the types of digital devices used and their instructional purposes. However, the use of digital devices is still permitted for specific situations such as targeted academic support, accommodations for students with disabilities as defined by federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), administering certain state-mandated assessments, teacher professional use, public virtual schools, homebound instruction, and remote or hybrid learning days. This bill will become effective on July 1, 2026.