The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board has approved a resolution aimed at reducing classroom screen time for students, reflecting a growing concern over the negative impacts of excessive device usage. The measure was passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote during a recent school board meeting.
Los Angeles: what to know
Details of the Resolution
The new policy will implement daily and weekly screen time limits for students, which will vary by grade level. It will also prohibit elementary and middle school students from using devices during passing periods, lunch, and recess. Additionally, the resolution includes a provision to block access to YouTube on district devices.
This policy is set to take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, pending further board approval. LAUSD is the second-largest school district in the United States, serving over 520,000 students who currently have access to Chromebooks and iPads for online learning.
Research and Support
The resolution’s co-sponsors referenced research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which has linked excessive screen time to various issues, including increased anxiety and depression, difficulties with emotional regulation, lower academic achievement, and reduced attention spans. While the Academy has not established specific screen time limits for adolescents, it has recommended that parents create screen-free time at home and seek high-quality educational content for their children.
Supporters of the resolution, including school board member Nick Melvoin, expressed hopes that this initiative could set a precedent for other districts across the country. Melvoin emphasized the importance of rethinking the role of technology in education, stating, “It’s not about going backwards. This is about rethinking school time.”
Community Response
The coalition known as School Beyond Screens, which includes parents and educators advocating for the measure, praised the board’s decision. They highlighted the need for support for teachers transitioning away from ineffective educational technology, urging the district to provide professional development, planning time, and funding for traditional learning materials.
This resolution follows California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of the Phone-Free School Act, which requires all school districts to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting smartphone use by July 2026. However, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho has previously expressed caution regarding strict screen time restrictions, raising concerns about equity and the role of parental responsibility in addressing digital tool addiction.
The LAUSD measure may be the first of its kind among major school districts, but it is part of a broader movement across various states to reassess the use of educational technology in schools.