Subcommittee backs model policy for in-class screen limits, with virtual students exempted

Sen. Studant told the subcommittee SB568 would ask the Virginia Department of Education to develop a model policy that allows local school boards to set reasonable limits on in-class instructional screen time on school-issued devices. Studant said peer-reviewed research suggests students often comprehend and remember reading on paper better than on screens and the bill is structured to be "balanced and carefully limited," not a technology ban.

The bill includes guardrails to protect students with IEPs and 504 plans, and a line amendment added language to exclude students enrolled in established multi-division virtual programs from the screen-time limits. Supporters included a retired teacher who described improved vision after reduced screen use and an industry representative who urged an evidence-based, research-backed approach to policy design.

The committee voted to conform the Senate bill to the chair's House companion and then reported SB568 as substituted on a 10 to 0 recorded vote.

Next steps: VDOE will undertake model-policy development and stakeholder consultation as the bill moves forward.