Lockhart ISD launches 

“Childhood Unlocked” initiative to increase free play and reduce technology use

Lockhart, TX – Lockhart ISD is launching a new districtwide initiative for the 2026–2027 school year aimed at supporting student well-being, encouraging healthier habits, increasing opportunities for play and movement, and creating a more balanced approach to technology use both at school and beyond the classroom.

The initiative, titled “Childhood Unlocked,” was approved by the LISD Board of Trustees at this evening’s board meeting, and reflects the district’s continued commitment to supporting the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

As part of the initiative, Lockhart ISD will implement several actions and changes across campuses during the 2026–2027 school year, including:

•Training for Teachers – Empowering teachers to use technology in meaningful, high-impacted ways. Not substituting paper & pencil.

•More Play. More Recess. (Grades PK-5) – Increase time for free play and recess by 50% (including time in the AM and PM).

•Free Play Time for Grades 6-8 – Create time before school and during lunch for students to have free play.

•Reduce Elementary Screen Time During the School Day – Reduce screen time during the school day by 50% and build student agency for independent hands-on learning.

Balance Secondary Classroom Technology – No more than 50% of each class period should involve student use of devices or Google Classroom. Prioritize traditional instructional methods and limit prolonged screen time.

•Teach Technology Skills Systematically – Create an intentional system for teaching technology skills, such as typing.

•Partner with Parents and Families – Launch a campaign to partner with families to provide tips, resources, and regular communication to support healthy screen habits at home.

•More Outdoor Playtime During and After School – Encourage and promote more outdoor play and learning during and after the school day.

•Full Commitment to HB 1481 Implementation – Continue full implementation of the law to support a distraction-reduced learn      The work stems from ongoing conversations throughout the 2025–2026 school year surrounding student wellness, engagement, screen time, healthy childhood experiences, and the long-term impact of technology and social media on students. From September through March, Lockhart ISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Estrada hosted a community and parent book study centered around The Anxious Generation, engaging families, staff, and community members in thoughtful discussions about the challenges facing today’s youth and the role schools and families play in supporting healthy childhood development.

    In addition to the book study, the district gathered feedback through multiple ThoughtExchange engagements with parents, staff, and the District Leadership Team, while also presenting updates and recommendations to the Lockhart ISD Board of Trustees throughout the year.

    District leaders emphasized that the initiative was shaped through collaboration, research, community input, and ongoing dialogue, with strong support and commitment from the Lockhart ISD Board of Trustees.

     “Our board has remained deeply committed to supporting the whole child and ensuring our schools continue evolving to meet the needs of today’s students,” said Lockhart ISD Board President Michael Wright. “We appreciate the thoughtful conversations, community feedback, and research that helped guide this work, and we are excited about the positive impact these efforts can have on students and families across Lockhart ISD.”

     “Over the course of this year, we’ve spent a great deal of time listening, learning, reflecting, and having meaningful conversations with our families, staff, and community,” said Dr. Mark Estrada. “This initiative is not about eliminating technology. It’s about creating healthier balance, increasing opportunities for connection and play, and ensuring our students continue to experience the joy, creativity, movement, and human interaction that are such important parts of childhood.”

    District leaders also noted that Lockhart ISD is part of a growing national conversation surrounding student wellness, technology use, social media, and healthy childhood development. Across the country, educators, researchers, policymakers, and families are increasingly examining the effects of excessive screen time and social media use on young people, as well as the importance of creating opportunities for face-to-face interaction, physical activity, play, and meaningful connection. Lockhart ISD has been actively engaged in these conversations and remains committed to supporting efforts that prioritize student well-being, including the district’s participation in broader efforts seeking greater accountability from social media companies for the impact their platforms may have on youth mental health and development.

      “Our goal is to be proactive and intentional in supporting students,” added Dr. Estrada. “We want our classrooms to continue preparing students for the future while also protecting the relationships, experiences, and healthy habits that help children thrive today.”

     Additional information, family resources, and updates related to the “Childhood Unlocked” initiative will continue to be shared throughout the upcoming school year. Families and community members are encouraged to visit the Lockhart ISD website here: https://www.lockhartisd.org/parents/childhood-unlocked  to learn more about the initiative, upcoming resources, and ways to support healthy habits at home.