Utah lawmakers are considering two bills that would change how technology is used in K-12 classrooms: the Software Accountability for Education (SAFE) Act and the Balance Act.
Both proposals focus on instructional quality, software oversight, student data privacy, and how much time students spend on screens during the school day. If passed, they would introduce clearer statewide expectations for instructional software and classroom device use.
For district leaders, this is less about headlines and more about operations. These bills could require districts to show stronger oversight of the tools students use every day.
What’s in the Bills?
The SAFE Act would require instructional software to meet specific standards for privacy and educational value before it can be used with students. The intent is to ensure that digital tools protect student data and contribute meaningfully to learning.
The Balance Act focuses on screen time. It would limit classroom device use, particularly in early grades, and encourage schools to reduce non-essential technology during instruction. The bill also addresses expectations around newer tools, including artificial intelligence.
Supporters argue that too much unstructured screen time can lead to distraction and weaker academic outcomes, especially in core subjects like reading and math. The legislation aims to set clearer guardrails around when and how technology is used.
What Does This Means for District Leaders?
Most educators agree that strong learning outcomes and responsible technology use matter. The challenge is proving that technology use supports both.
If these proposals move forward, districts may need to demonstrate:
- Why specific applications are approved
- How student data is protected
- Whether digital tools are supporting instruction
- How screen time is monitored and managed
Reducing screen time alone does not guarantee better outcomes. The bigger issue is whether technology use is intentional and aligned to instructional goals.
Districts that already have strong visibility into device and app usage will be in a stronger position if new reporting or accountability requirements are introduced.
What Steps Can Districts Take Now?
This is a practical moment to review your current environment.
- Inventory the apps and devices being used across grade levels
- Identify which tools are core to instruction and which are supplemental, and whether apps comply with student data privacy requirements
- Review classroom management practices around device use
- Report on usage, engagement, privacy protections, and classroom device practices
Supporting Utah LEAs
As districts evaluate their digital environments, clear visibility matters.
Lightspeed Systems is an approved EdTech Management provider with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Through our Utah contract, districts have access to تقنية لايت سبيد إنسايت™ for app and device usage visibility, along with صف لايت سبيد™, which is included at no additional cost.
Lightspeed Insight helps leaders understand what tools are being used and how often, whether they are compliant with 1EdTech privacy vetting, and student-level screen time – with campus- and grade-level screen time reporting coming soon.
Lightspeed Classroom gives teachers the ability to keep students focused on learning during instruction, with visibility and control over student screens, web rules to allow or block access to specific sites, AI usage notifications, and daily class reporting to identify more effective instructional strategies.
For districts navigating new expectations around software accountability and screen time, having accurate usage data and classroom oversight tools can make it easier to demonstrate that technology use is thoughtful and aligned to learning goals. Learn how Lightspeed solutions can support Utah districts.
