Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools conducted a recent survey examining iPad usage in kindergarten through second grade classrooms, and district officials are now recommending that average screen time for students in those grades be limited to no more than 30 minutes per day — less than 10 percent of the school day.

Assistant Superintendent for Foundational Learning Dr. Danielle Fetters-Thompson reviewed the survey findings during Wednesday’s school board meeting. The study measured classroom iPad usage during one week in November and another week in March of the current school year. All 13 HSE school buildings serving grades K-2 participated in the survey.

District officials said there were 996 total responses from kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade classrooms, along with special education, related arts and English as a New Language (ENL) teachers.

According to the survey, some teachers reported no iPad use on certain days, while others indicated students used the devices for 10 to 15 minutes daily, primarily for intervention programs and the UFLI blending board reading program.

Higher usage times, ranging from 60 to 75 minutes, were generally tied to participation in the “Hour of Code” program, an initiative designed to introduce students to computer science and programming concepts.

The district’s recommendation to limit iPad use to an average of 30 minutes per day does not apply to several required instructional or support situations. Exceptions include state and local assessments, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), and accommodations required under Section 504 plans, all of which could increase daily screen time.

HSE officials said the new screen time recommendation will be communicated to parents through the district’s annual Back-to-School forms.