# Atlanta Public Schools Pilots Screen Time Policy

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has initiated a pilot policy to limit student screen time during school hours, emphasizing technology as a supplemental instructional tool rather than a primary one. This policy, developed with community input, aims to enhance educational outcomes by promoting high-value screen use and increasing teacher-led instruction. Feedback is being collected during the pilot phase to guide effective implementation and potential broader adoption.

- This policy shift may influence procurement priorities toward educational technology solutions that support high-quality, outcome-driven digital content rather than broad device deployment.
- Vendors and contractors should consider opportunities to provide curriculum-aligned, high-value digital resources that complement teacher-led instruction.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate evolving requirements emphasizing instructional quality and balanced technology integration in school environments.
- Organizations involved in educational technology and services can leverage this trend to align offerings with district goals focused on improving learning outcomes through selective technology use.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

### Key Quotes
> We know that we, the adults, have created a generation of kids that spend a lot of time looking at their phones, have short attention spans and, sometimes, dont get into deep concentration and critical thinking. Im hoping this brings us back to a learning world where we challenge each other and where we learn deeply. I think the positive effects of this program will put technology as an enabler and not a core instructional tool. When we get back to teacher-led instruction, I think our kids learn better; I think our teachers will feel more in control and, ultimately, I think our outcomes will get better.
> — Dr. Ken Zeff, District 3 School Board member

> Theres a balance in that theres complexity to the conversation because its not just that all screen and all screen time is bad. Thats why weve talked about screen value. What we want to make sure of is that if you are on a device or you are accessing some type of curriculum or curricular resource that is online, that its high quality and that its impacting your outcomes.
> — Dr. Bryan Johnson, Superintendent

### Sources
- [District pilots new screen time policy, limits device usage – the Southerner Online](https://thesoutherneronline.com/105873/news/district-pilots-new-screen-time-policy-limits-device-usage) - the Southerner Online