Tennessee Bill Limits Technology in Elementary Classes

Proposal aims to curb internet addiction and mental health issues in young students

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:35am

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A new bill in Tennessee would require school districts to create policies that prioritize in-person teaching, limit the use of digital devices, and prohibit social media in elementary school classrooms. The original proposal to ban all technology in grades K-5 was deemed too extreme and was amended to give districts more flexibility in implementing technology guidelines.

Why it matters

The bill is an attempt to address concerns about the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time and technology use on the cognitive development and mental health of young students, while still allowing schools to utilize technology for necessary purposes like state testing.

The details

The bill was introduced in early February and initially proposed an outright ban on technology in elementary school classes. However, after feedback from school leaders like Johnson City superintendent Dr. Erin Slater, the bill was amended to require districts to create their own policies that prioritize in-person teaching, limit digital device use, and prohibit social media. Slater noted that technology is used to enhance and support student learning, and that students need to be familiar with technology for online state assessments.

  • The bill was first introduced in early February 2026.
  • The amended version of the bill was unanimously passed by the Tennessee Senate and will go before the House in April 2026.

The players

Dr. Erin Slater

The superintendent of Johnson City schools, who expressed concerns about an outright ban on technology in elementary classrooms.

Sen. Charlane Oliver

The Tennessee state senator who introduced the original bill to ban technology in grades K-5, citing concerns about internet addiction and mental health issues in young children.

Sen. Bobby Harshbarger

The Tennessee state senator who voted to approve the amended bill, stating it strikes the right balance between using technology and protecting how young students learn best.

Tanya Coats

The president of the Tennessee Education Association, who supports the amended bill, stating research has shown excessive screen time can negatively impact cognitive development in young students.

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What they’re saying

“We have made a significant investment in technology simply because we know how to use it with students to extend their learning, we know how to use it to reinforce learning and we know how to use it to support student learning.”

— Dr. Erin Slater, Johnson City Superintendent

“These devices that they have can be problematic and they follow the kids to their home which can also be problematic.”

— Sen. Charlane Oliver

“I supported the bill because it strikes the right balance between using technology and protecting how our youngest students learn best. As a father of two young children, I see firsthand how important it is to limit screen time and encourage real interaction, focus, and hands-on learning.”

— Sen. Bobby Harshbarger

“Research has shown that excessive screen time can negatively impact the cognitive development of our youngest students. We thank the bill sponsors for working with teachers and administrators, and creating appropriate accommodations in the bill as amended to prevent unintended consequences for instruction and assessment.”

— Tanya Coats, Tennessee Education Association President

What’s next

The amended bill will go before the Tennessee House of Representatives in April 2026 for a vote.

The takeaway

This bill represents a balanced approach to addressing concerns about the potential negative impacts of technology overuse in elementary classrooms, while still allowing schools the flexibility to utilize technology when it enhances student learning and supports necessary educational requirements like online assessments.