AL HB78

Department of Early Childhood Education, Department of Human Resources, and State Department of Education must develop research-based screen time guidelines and standards for children birth through age five in licensed child-care facilities, prekindergarten programs, and public kindergartens.

No screen time is permitted for children under two years of age; background television and passive screen time are prohibited in all early childhood education settings.

Teachers and staff who supervise children must complete annual training on screen time standards and alternatives to screen time.

Screen time restrictions do not apply to students with Individualized Education Programs, Section 504 plans, or Individualized Health Plans, nor to required kindergarten diagnostic assessments or approved virtual school programs.

Effective January 1, 2027, with local school boards required to adopt compliant screen time policies by the 2027-2028 school year; noncompliance may result in corrective action plans or, for kindergarten teachers, disciplinary action under the Alabama Educator Code of Ethics.