Los Angeles school district approves strict limits on classroom screen time

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the United States, has approved a new policy that significantly restricts student screen time in classrooms and blocks access to YouTube, social media, and streaming platforms during the school day.

The policy, approved by the school board on June 23, introduces age-based limits on technology use and reflects growing concerns among parents and educators about students' dependence on computers and digital devices in K-12 education.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the new guidelines will take effect in phases beginning this year. Starting in August, students from preschool through first grade will not be allowed any classroom screen time.

Beginning in November, daily screen use will be capped at 20 minutes for second and third graders and 30 minutes for fourth and fifth graders, including homework assignments.

For middle school students, screen time will be limited to one hour per class each week, totaling up to six hours weekly across subjects. High school students will be permitted up to 1.5 hours of screen use per class each week, with a maximum of 10 hours weekly.

The move follows increasing pressure from parent groups seeking a reduction in classroom technology use.

According to the report, advocacy organizations in California and across the United States have argued that excessive reliance on digital tools is reducing opportunities for hands-on learning, social interaction, and peer engagement.

Under the new rules, students will also no longer receive school-issued computers to take home on a daily basis.

"It's an incredibly robust and groundbreaking document," said school board member Nick Melvoin, who introduced the original resolution in March. "It is going to be the basis for reform throughout the country, if not the world," he added.

The policy also outlines new standards for how technology can be used in classrooms. Schools will be required to ensure that digital tools serve educational purposes and minimize students' exposure to advertising and commercial content.

As part of the changes, student access to websites and platforms such as YouTube, social media networks, and streaming services will be restricted during school hours.

The decision places LAUSD among a growing number of education systems reassessing the role of technology in learning as concerns mount over screen exposure, student well-being, and the balance between digital and traditional classroom instruction.