Missouri House Passes Bill Limiting School Screen Time

Legislation faces pushback from educators concerned about flexibility, cost, and equity

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:18pm

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The Missouri House has passed a bill that would restrict classroom technology use and require cursive writing instruction in elementary schools, despite widespread opposition from educators. The Student Screen-Time Standards Act aims to address concerns about the cognitive, behavioral, and academic impacts of excessive screen exposure, but critics argue it could put students at a disadvantage and widen equity gaps.

Why it matters

The debate over screen time in schools reflects a broader tension between technology's role in modern education and concerns about its potential harms, especially for young children. As districts grapple with balancing digital tools and traditional learning methods, this legislation highlights the challenges of crafting policies that address complex issues around student development, educational equity, and the evolving needs of the workforce.

The details

House Bill 2230, sponsored by Rep. Tricia Byrnes (R-Wentzville), would require school districts and charter schools to adopt policies limiting screen time and instructional technology for students in kindergarten through 5th grade, both during and after the school day. The bill also mandates cursive writing instruction, guided by a new Literacy Advisory Council, and the creation of a Framework on Classroom Use of Screens Council to study the effects of screen exposure and recommend long-term policy. Exemptions are provided for virtual instruction programs.

  • The bill passed the Missouri House on March 30, 2026 with a 143-10 vote.
  • The bill now heads to the Senate, where a hearing has not yet been scheduled.
  • The screen time policies and cursive writing instruction would be required by the end of the 2027-28 school year.

The players

Rep. Tricia Byrnes

The Republican representative from Wentzville who sponsored House Bill 2230.

Dr. Maryam Mohammadkhani

A Harvard-trained physician and Springfield school board member who argued that screen-heavy classrooms are harming children's physical, emotional, and social development.

Rep. Ed Lewis

The Republican chair of the Joint Committee on Education, who said the bill sends a clear message that Missouri will address screen time in schools.

Allie Rains

A current educator who argued the bill could put Missouri students at a disadvantage by limiting their exposure to technology.

Missouri Equity Education Partnership

An organization that raised concerns about the bill's cost and access implications, warning it could widen the gap between well-funded and under-resourced districts.

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What they’re saying

“The damage from screens to the physical, emotional, and social development of children is indisputable.”

— Dr. Maryam Mohammadkhani, Harvard-trained physician and Springfield school board member

“We are putting school districts on notice — Missouri is going to address screen time. This is an important bill in education, and it starts a necessary shift.”

— Rep. Ed Lewis, Chair of the Joint Committee on Education

“This is about putting learning first again. We are restoring books, handwriting, and human connection in the classroom — because that's how children actually learn.”

— Rep. Tricia Byrnes, Bill sponsor

“As an educator, I have found that technology is imperative to helping American students compete in a global market. If Missouri students are not taught to be comfortable with technology in the classroom, this will impede their competition in the national workforce.”

— Allie Rains, Educator

“Until the State decides to fully fund the foundation formula and provide robust resources for all districts, as distasteful as it is, cost has to be a factor.”

— Missouri Equity Education Partnership

What’s next

The bill has been referred to the Missouri Senate, where a hearing has not yet been scheduled. If passed by the Senate, the screen time policies and cursive writing instruction would be required by the end of the 2027-28 school year.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over the role of technology in education and the need to balance its benefits with concerns about potential harms, especially for young children. As districts navigate these complex issues, policymakers will likely continue to grapple with how to craft policies that address student development, educational equity, and workforce preparation.