# Seattle Public Schools Limits K-2 Screen Time

Seattle Public Schools has announced a policy change effective January 1, 2027, to limit daily screen time to 30 minutes for kindergarten through second grade students and to discontinue individually assigned iPads for these youngest learners. This shift toward shared devices and reduced individual tablet use aims to promote more intentional, curriculum-focused technology integration in early education. Funded by a voter-approved technology levy, the district anticipates significant cost savings over several years and signals potential future procurement opportunities related to shared educational technology resources as the policy may extend to upper grades.

- This policy change impacts procurement planning by reducing demand for individual tablets in early grades while increasing opportunities for shared device solutions and related infrastructure.
- Vendors specializing in educational technology hardware and software should consider adapting offerings to align with shared device models and curriculum-focused applications.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate future solicitations as the district plans to expand these technology use changes to higher grade levels.
- Budget allocations from the technology levy may prioritize cost-effective, scalable technology solutions supporting the district's revised instructional goals.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Seattle Public Schools (SPS)

### Key Quotes
> If you’re going to use technology, it really needs to be thoughtful. It needs to be about the curriculum.
> — Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent

> I think there were definitely some audible cheers coming from our teachers who are also parents in the community, so it's a welcomed change.
> — Lindsey Backstrom, Principal

> It shouldn’t be that hard of a lift.
> — Mike Starosky, Assistant Superintendent of Academics

### Sources
- ['It shouldn't be that hard of a lift': Seattle schools to limit screen time, pull iPads from youngest students](https://mynorthwest.com/local/seattle-schools-ipad-screen-time/4278462) - MyNorthwest.com
- [Seattle Public Schools limits screen time, ends individual tablets for K-2 students](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/seattle-public-schools-limits-screen-020208051.html) - Yahoo