LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Chris Freeland
Today’s children are growing up with unprecedented access to social media and the internet. From a young age, they are exposed to screens, often with unintended and harmful effects on their development. In this digital age, it’s the responsibility of parents, teachers and lawmakers to prioritize children’s well-being by equipping them with the tools and habits that support lifelong learning.
During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly took an important step by passing House Bill 208, which aims to reduce cell phone distractions in public schools. The bill requires districts to develop policies limiting phone use during instructional time and to block social media access on school internet networks. By doing so, HB 208 helps students focus on learning instead of their devices.
The bill is part of a broader effort to restore structure and purpose in schools. Nationally, test scores among K-12 students have declined in recent years, even as access to technology has expanded. Despite the wealth of information available, students are often distracted by constant notifications and the pull of social media. HB 208 counters this by encouraging classroom engagement over screen time.
But the effort doesn’t end at the school door. Parents play a critical role in limiting screen time at home and setting the tone for responsible tech use. A passion for learning begins at home—when children are encouraged to be curious, explore new topics and engage in meaningful conversations.
Of course, it is important that parents also limit children’s screen time and social media usage at home as well. Parents have a critical role to play in their child’s education, and arguably, the most important one. A love and a passion for learning begins at home, when children are encouraged to be curious, explore new topics, and learn new information.
The best way to cultivate a love for learning in kids is to lead by example. When a child sees their parents engaged learning, growth, and curiosity, even as an adult, they internalize these behaviors and values. Parents can foster this love for learning in their children from an early age by reading with them instead of vegging out in front of the TV, discussing current events at the dinner table rather than scrolling, setting limits on screen time for the entire household, and encouraging them to adopt hobbies and engage in activities that require them to put down the cell phone.
Education and learning do not have to be confined to inside the classroom. Encourage your child to explore their interests, to read about topics that fascinate them, and to discover all that the world has to offer outside of screens and social media. Help them see their education as an exciting adventure, rather than a chore. We are lucky enough to live in a state filled with rich history and beautiful state parks, where there are educational opportunities around every corner to take advantage of. Kids naturally want to learn and be curious, but need guidance and encouragement to pursue it with purpose. When children are equipped with the right tools and habits, we don’t just help them succeed, we help them become responsible, productive citizens.
The negative implications of social media on young impressionable minds are too serious to ignore. Countless studies have linked social media usage to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in children. Social media platforms are designed to addict them by feeding content that grabs their attention but does not have a natural stopping point. Children’s vulnerable brains can be greatly harmed from these effects. Social media also significantly decreases the attention span, making it almost impossible for children to remain focused for long enough to finish just one chapter of a book. It is a parent’s responsibility to shield their children from harm, and unchecked cell phone and social media use is among the most harmful influences for children today.
Kentucky is taking action on reining in some of the damaging effects of social media and cell phones on the younger generation, but the real impact begins at home. As a society, we must be willing to say enough is enough, and get serious about protecting children from harmful digital influences and giving them the strong foundational skills and habits they need to grow into capable, successful adults. As parents, teachers, and policy makers, it’s our responsibility to encourage children to value their education, use technology responsibly, and experience the world beyond a screen.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Chris.Freeland@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
