Indiana to Propose Limits on Classroom Technology Use
State Representative Jake Teshka plans to introduce a bill in January to restrict daily student technology usage.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Homework
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State Representative Jake Teshka will introduce legislation during the upcoming January 2027 session to limit screen time in Indiana classrooms. The proposal aims to mitigate potential negative developmental consequences of excessive technology use by students.
Why it matters
Lawmakers are responding to concerns about the social and emotional impact of screen time while seeking to minimize classroom distractions. The move reflects a growing legislative focus on improving student well-being by prioritizing traditional learning methods.
Four states have already adopted school screen-time limits, joining localized efforts like those in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Indiana has previously implemented a bell-to-bell school cellphone ban.
The players
Jake Teshka
Jake Teshka is an Indiana State Representative planning to introduce legislation regarding classroom technology use.
The details
The proposed legislation considers guidelines from the Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project, which recommends limiting one-to-one device usage to high schools and mandating paper-and-pencil assignments for students from pre-K through eighth grade. The initiative is intended to reduce classroom distractions and foster a more focused learning environment for pupils across the state.
Timeline
The legislative session begins in January 2027.
Culture Shift
The proposal aligns with the Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project, which advocates for returning to paper-and-pencil methods for younger students. This move indicates a broader societal shift toward questioning the integration of digital devices in early childhood education.
If passed, the legislation may change daily classroom routines by requiring students from pre-K through eighth grade to move away from digital devices for homework. Parents should expect a potential shift toward paper-based assignments and limited access to one-to-one technology in these grade levels.
The takeaway
Legislators are increasingly reevaluating the role of screens in the classroom to improve focus and student health outcomes. Families may see a transition back to traditional writing materials as schools align with new technology restrictions.
Further reading
For more on educational policy, visit the Homework section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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