Broward Schools consider screen time limits for youngest students, AI monitoring

Broward County Public Schools could introduce new limits on classroom device use for its youngest students as the School Board considers a proposal aimed at reducing screen exposure and strengthening digital safety measures.

The board is scheduled to discuss the proposal during its July 28 meeting. The measure, sponsored by Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi, would direct Superintendent Howard Hepburn to establish parameters for device use among students in voluntary prekindergarten through second grade.

Under the proposal, screen time for those students would be limited to activities required for state-mandated testing or approved accommodations for students with special needs. The district would continue allowing technology use when required by law or when necessary to support individual student needs.

School Board member Debbi Hixon said the limits would be adjusted by grade level based on state testing requirements. Parents would also have access to information about how much time students spend on devices and the types of activities they are completing.

The proposal comes as Broward, which has positioned itself as a leader in educational technology and artificial intelligence, considers additional safeguards around digital learning tools.

As part of the plan, the district would expand use of Linewize to monitor activity on school-issued devices and identify potentially concerning behavior, including activity involving artificial intelligence platforms.

Linewize tools allow schools to filter websites, monitor student screens and detect online activity that may indicate safety concerns, such as threats of self-harm, suicide or violence. The platform’s Monitor service uses human reviewers and can send alerts to designated school officials when serious concerns are identified.

Under the proposal, alerts would be sent in real time to the District Security Operations Center for review and potential intervention.

Leonardi said the measure is intended to promote “more responsible use of technology in our schools.”

The proposal would also require the district’s upcoming artificial intelligence policy and related technology rules to include the strongest possible limits on device and AI use at the elementary school level. Those policies are expected to be presented to the School Board on Aug. 4.

District documents indicate the proposal would not have an immediate budget impact. Any future costs associated with monitoring systems or device management would be brought back to the board through the regular budget process.

The discussion comes amid growing national debate over the role of technology and artificial intelligence in classrooms, particularly for younger students. Broward officials say the goal is to balance the benefits of digital learning with student safety and appropriate technology use.