SF2335: Technology Impact on Students Study

Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, to establish a working group to examine how school-provided technology (e.g., laptops, online learning systems, classroom presentations) affects students' cognitive function and academic performance. The group must include educators, mental health professionals, and parents. Members are responsible for their own expenses. A report with findings and recommendations, focusing on mitigating negative impacts on students' development and learning, is due to the legislature by December 31, 2026.

Key Points & Impacts

• Directs the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services to form a working group.

• Working group to study the impact of school-provided technology on student cognitive and academic outcomes.

• 'School-provided technology' includes laptops, online learning systems, and classroom presentations.

• Working group must include educators, mental health professionals, and parents of school-age children.

• Working group members and their represented entities are responsible for their own expenses.

• Findings and recommendations must be reported to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026.

• Report to include best practices for technology use and ways to mitigate negative impacts on students' social, behavioral, and learning outcomes.

• Focus on potential effects on social development, attention span, mental concentration, and learning ability.