FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Fayette County School Corporation is excited to announce expanded "Student Technology and Screen Time Guidelines" that will take effect beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. The updated guidelines reflect current research on child development, student learning, and healthy technology use while also incorporating feedback received from families, staff members, and the community.
Several weeks ago, we shared preliminary guidance outlining a transition away from one-to-one devices in Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms. Following that announcement, we received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from parents, educators, and community members.
"While many people supported our initial plan, many also encouraged us to take an even closer look at technology use across our elementary grades," said Superintendent Jeremy Duncan. "The message was clear. You spoke, and we listened."
As a result, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, students in Grades 2 through 6 will also transition away from individual device assignments. Rather than being issued personal devices that can be taken home, classrooms will have access to shared devices on instructional carts that teachers can utilize when technology meaningfully enhances learning.
Students in Grades 7 and 8 will continue to have one-to-one devices with structured restrictions, while students in Grades 9 through 12 will continue participating in the Corporation's one-to-one program to support advanced coursework, college readiness, career preparation, and digital learning.
This initiative is not about rejecting technology. Instead, it is about using technology with greater purpose and balance.
"Technology can be an incredible educational tool, but it should support learning rather than become the learning experience," Duncan said. "Children learn best through meaningful conversations, hands-on exploration, reading, writing, collaboration, creativity, movement, and strong relationships with caring adults. Those experiences remain at the heart of an exceptional education that we aim to provide at the Fayette County School Corporation."
Research continues to demonstrate that balanced technology use supports stronger attention, improved communication skills, increased student engagement, and healthier social and emotional development. By reducing unnecessary screen time during the school day and at home, we believe that students will benefit from more direct teacher instruction, richer classroom discussions, increased collaboration, and expanded opportunities for hands-on learning.
Our updated guidance also includes "Screen Time Maximum Suggestions" by grade level. These recommendations are intended to provide educators with developmentally appropriate expectations while recognizing that technology use should always be purposeful and instructionally driven.
Several important learning activities remain exempt from the screen time suggestions, including:
-State assessments and other required testing
-Learning opportunities that teach computer science and digital literacy skills
-Accommodations and supports provided through Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans
"Technology continues to have an important place in our classrooms," Duncan added. "Students will continue using digital tools for research, creativity, collaboration, communication, innovation, and future readiness. The difference is that technology will be used intentionally, when it adds value to the learning experience."
The updated guidelines align with Fayette County School Corporation's commitment to helping every student Grow & Achieve, Belong & Thrive, and become Prepared & Life-Ready.
"Our responsibility has never changed," Duncan said. "Every decision we make begins with one simple question: 'What is best for students?' We believe these changes reflect that commitment and will help us provide an even stronger educational experience for every child we serve."
On June 29, Fayette County School Corporation partnered with Showtime Cinema to provide a free community showing of Toy Story 5, a film centered on the role technology can play in our lives and the importance of relationships, imagination, and human connection. More than 1,000 students, parents, grandparents, staff members, and community members attended the event. "The incredible turnout reminded us of something we should never forget: children only get one childhood," Duncan stated. "We have a responsibility to help fill it with laughter, imagination, friendships, family memories, and experiences that no screen can ever replace."