Sec. 38.0231. GUIDELINES FOR USE OF DIGITAL DEVICES. (a) The agency, in consultation with the Health and Human Services Commission, shall develop and distribute model health and safety guidelines that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools may use to determine best practices for the effective integration of digital devices in public schools. The guidelines must:
(1) be based on evidence-based studies and practices;
(2) consider the needs of students with intellectual or physical disabilities;
(3) consider the potential costs of implementation of the guidelines and affordable ways to reduce the hazards associated with the extended use of digital devices; and
(4) address:
(A) digital device use for varying age ranges and developmental levels;
(B) the amount of time a student spends using digital devices in the classroom;
(C) appropriate frequency for breaks from the use of digital devices;
(D) physical positioning of digital devices in the classroom;
(E) the use of digital devices to complete homework assignments;
(F) recommended total daily screen time usage for students;
(G) recommended practices or software to block access to inappropriate content; and
(H) recommended teacher training regarding digital device use in the classroom to ensure implementation of the best practices.
(b) The school board of each school district or the governing body of each open-enrollment charter school shall adopt a policy for the effective integration of digital devices in the district or school. In adopting the policy, the school board or the governing body may decide whether to adopt the guidelines developed under Subsection (a) for use in the district or school.
(c) Each school district or open-enrollment charter school that adopts the guidelines developed under Subsection (a) may implement the guidelines in a manner that best meets the district's or charter school's individual needs and the individual needs of students in the district or school, including students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
(d) If a school district or open-enrollment charter school adopts the guidelines developed under Subsection (a), the district or charter school shall post the guidelines publicly on the district's or charter school's Internet website.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 491 (H.B. 3489), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
Structure Texas Statutes
Chapter 38 - Health and Safety
Subchapter A. General Provisions
Section 38.001. Immunization; Requirements; Exceptions
Section 38.002. Immunization Records; Reporting
Section 38.0025. Dissemination of Bacterial Meningitis Information
Section 38.003. Screening and Treatment for Dyslexia and Related Disorders
Section 38.0031. Classroom Technology Plan for Students With Dyslexia
Section 38.0032. Dyslexia Training Opportunities
Section 38.004. Child Abuse Reporting and Programs
Section 38.0041. Policies Addressing Sexual Abuse and Other Maltreatment of Children
Section 38.0042. Posting Child Abuse Hotline Telephone Number
Section 38.005. Protective Eye Devices in Public Schools
Section 38.006. E-Cigarettes and Tobacco Products on School Property
Section 38.007. Alcohol-Free School Zones
Section 38.008. Posting of Steroid Law Notice
Section 38.009. Access to Medical Records
Section 38.0095. Parental Access to Medical Records
Section 38.010. Outside Counselors
Section 38.0101. Authority to Employ or Contract With Nonphysician Mental Health Professional
Section 38.011. Dietary Supplements
Section 38.012. Notice Concerning Health Care Services
Section 38.013. Coordinated Health Program for Elementary, Middle, and Junior High School Students
Section 38.0141. Reporting of Certain Health and Safety Information Required
Section 38.015. Self-Administration of Prescription Asthma or Anaphylaxis Medicine by Students
Section 38.0151. Policies for Care of Certain Students at Risk for Anaphylaxis
Section 38.016. Psychotropic Drugs and Psychiatric Evaluations or Examinations
Section 38.017. Availability of Automated External Defibrillator
Section 38.018. Procedures Regarding Response to Cardiac Arrest
Section 38.0181. Cardiovascular Screening Pilot Program
Section 38.019. Immunization Awareness Program
Section 38.021. Use of Sunscreen Products
Section 38.022. School Visitors
Section 38.023. List of Resources Concerning Internet Safety
Section 38.0231. Guidelines for Use of Digital Devices
Section 38.024. Insurance Against Student Injuries
Section 38.026. Grant Program for Best Practices in Nutrition Education
Section 38.027. Electronic Communication Policy
Section 38.030. Traumatic Injury Response Protocol
Section 38.031. Notice of Lice
Section 38.032. Seizure Management and Treatment Plan
Section 38.033. Seizure Recognition and Related First Aid Training
Section 38.034. School Health and Related Services Program; Eligibility for Audiology Services