Alabama could become one of the first states to establish research-based screen-time standards for children under five in publicly funded early learning programs under legislation pre-filed by Rep. Jeana Ross.

House Bill 78, the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, aims to balance the use of technology with hands-on learning during a critical period of brain development according to a news release.

VOICES for Alabama’s Children endorsed the legislation in the release, emphasizing the need for consistent standards across early learning environments.

“The earliest years of life — from birth to age five — are the most important period of brain development a child will ever experience,” Ross said in the release. “During these years, children are building the foundation for language, attention, emotional regulation and learning itself. It is critical that we prioritize relationships, play and high-quality instruction. Aligning screen use with research strengthens — not restricts — our teachers and our classrooms. The intent of this bill is to support those early learning experiences, because strong starts lead to strong futures.”

If passed, the bill would require the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education to develop age-appropriate guidelines that define high-quality programming, set screen time limits by age and promote hands-on learning and social interaction in licensed child care facilities, pre-K programs and kindergarten classrooms. The guidelines would be publicly available at no cost to parents and guardians.

“HB 78 reinforces the importance of partnerships and evidence-based guidance in early childhood education,” said ADECE Secretary Ami Brooks. “By setting clear, developmentally appropriate limits on screen time, this legislation helps protect young children from the well-documented risks of excessive screen exposure while supporting healthy learning environments statewide.”

Per the release, the legislation also establishes a statewide training program for teachers and staff, developed by ADECE in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Alabama State Department of Education.

“The early years of a child’s life are a period of extraordinary brain development,” said DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “We know caregiver interactions and communication are vital for the proper growth and socialization of children. Therefore, we must ensure that our children are exposed to these positive and stimulating environments by establishing healthy screen-use guidelines. DHR looks forward to working with VOICES and Representative Ross in creating a set of standards to ensure children are receiving proper supervision and instruction while at child care facilities.”

National organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, stress limiting screen exposure for infants and toddlers and encouraging adult-supported, high-quality use of technology. If enacted, HB 78 would align Alabama with these best practices and create consistency across early care, pre-K and early elementary settings.

“While we know technology is here to stay, we also know children learn best through human interaction and full sensory engagement,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. “Experience has long shown us this, and science confirms it. Our youngest children do not need to spend all day on screens, and schools should be places primarily preserved for interactive learning with other children and adults. This bill strikes an important balance between promising technologies and the developmental needs of young learners.”

In the release VOICES emphasized the growing prevalence of screen time in early learning settings and the importance of research-backed policy.

“As screen time becomes increasingly prevalent in the lives of young children, this bill seeks a thoughtful balance,” said Dr. Tracye Strichik, Executive Director of VOICES for Alabama’s Children. “It ensures technology enhances learning rather than replaces essential early experiences. By grounding policy in research and best practices, Alabama has an opportunity to lead the nation in safeguarding healthy development while supporting educators and families.”

Under the legislation, licensed child care facilities would be required to follow the guidelines and training to maintain DHR licensure. Certain prekindergarten classrooms and all public kindergarten classrooms would also be required to comply, with oversight shared among DHR, ADECE, ALSDE and local boards of education.

Early childhood experts caution that excessive or unstructured screen time can interfere with attention, learning and social development. The bill reflects a growing recognition that early learning environments must prioritize active, relationship-based experiences while using technology intentionally and sparingly.

HB 78 will be considered during the 2026 Alabama legislative session.