Maryland officials, led by Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright, will not impose regulations on local school districts regarding restrictions on screen time during instructional periods.
This article is part of WTOP’s 2026 Back to School coverage.
During a recent press briefing, Carey Wright, Maryland’s Superintendent of Schools, informed journalists that the state will monitor how individual school districts decide to approach screen time limits for educational purposes.
Wright acknowledged a growing apprehension among parents concerning the balance between technology-based instruction and direct teaching from educators. “To me I think, there’s got to be a happy medium,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for balance in educational methods.
She indicated that any regulations regarding screen time will likely vary according to grade levels. Specifically, when addressing students from kindergarten to third grade, Wright expressed that research suggests these younger learners may require “less screen time” to optimize their educational experience.
For those at the earliest stages of reading development, she emphasized the importance of “more face-to-face interaction with the teacher and the adults in the room.” Wright elaborated, stating, “That is just the beginning of everything; the beginning of socialization, the beginning of learning communication. All of that starts at a very young age, particularly if you’re learning to read.”
Joshua Michael, the president of the Maryland State Board of Education, also addressed the issue during Tuesday’s briefing. He noted that some districts, such as Baltimore City, have successfully reduced screen time for students in grades K-3, and stated that the state will be observing these reforms closely.
Michael expressed contentment with the reduction of screen time, underscoring the need for thoughtful decision-making to avoid future policy reversals. “There are some things that technology’s really meaningful for, and has really moved the needle for us,” he remarked. “In other ways, I think we’re getting away from the foundations of social interactions and the core — how we understand teaching and learning.”
In addition, the Montgomery County Board of Education has initiated a study to evaluate the impact of screen time on instruction, with a report expected to be released in March 2027.
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