MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a new law aimed at limiting how much screen time young children are exposed to in early learning environments across the state.
The legislation, known as the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act (HB 78), was signed in early March 2026. The law places restrictions on electronic screen use for children ages five and younger in licensed child care centers as well as state-funded preschool and kindergarten programs.
Under the new law, screen use is prohibited entirely for children under the age of two. For children ages two through five, limits are placed on how much screen exposure is allowed during the school day.
State leaders say the goal is to encourage more hands-on learning and face-to-face interaction during a child’s earliest developmental years.
“I have signed the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, limiting screen access in early childhood education facilities,” Ivey said in a statement. “This is commonsense legislation to make sure Alabama’s children are protected.”
Supporters of the law say reducing screen exposure can help improve attention, social development and early learning skills for young children.
The law applies to licensed childcare facilities and state-funded early education programs operating across Alabama. Specific guidelines and implementation details are expected to be provided to childcare providers as the policy takes effect.
