Los Angeles Unified is introducing new classroom screen-time limits by grade level. Here’s when the policy begins and what it means for students and families.
While it’s not an outright ban, Los Angeles Unified School District students will soon have less access to technology during the school day. The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education has approved a new policy establishing age-appropriate limits on classroom screen time beginning this fall.
Building on cellphone restrictions that LAUSD adopted last year, the new guidelines are intended to ensure technology supports learning without replacing teacher-led instruction and face-to-face interaction.
District leaders say the goal isn’t to eliminate technology from classrooms but to encourage thoughtful, developmentally appropriate use.
“As we continue to navigate the evolving role of technology in education, our priority remains ensuring it is used in ways that support high-quality instruction, student engagement, and overall well-being,” Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “Technology is an important tool that can expand access and enhance learning, but it is most effective when used purposefully and guided by educators.”
What will change?
The policy establishes maximum instructional screen-time limits that vary by grade level.
Beginning in August, students in early education through first grade will generally not use individual devices during classroom instruction. Schools will still be able to use shared device carts when needed for assessments, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other approved exceptions. Students in the district’s Virtual Academy are exempt from the policy.
Starting later in the school year, older students will have daily or weekly limits on instructional screen time, including homework:
- Early education, kindergarten and Grade 1: 0 minutes per day
- Grades 2-3: Up to 20 minutes per day (100 minutes per week)
- Grades 4-5: Up to 30 minutes per day (150 minutes per week)
- Grades 6-8: Up to 60 minutes per subject each week
- Grades 9-12: Up to 90 minutes per subject each week
The district also plans to restrict student-led use of YouTube and other video-streaming platforms during instruction and review existing classroom technology contracts.
When will the changes take effect?
Implementation will happen in phases:
- August 2026: Early education through Grade 1
- November 2026: Grades 2-5
- January 2027: Grades 6-12
District officials say schools will receive professional development, while families will receive back-to-school resources and guidance before each phase begins.
Why is LAUSD making this change?
According to district officials, the policy reflects growing research on children’s screen use and feedback from nearly 19,000 participants through the LAUSD’s ThoughtExchange community engagement process.
The new guidelines are designed to:
- Preserve teacher-led instruction
- Prioritize educational use of technology
- Reduce unnecessary screen exposure
- Encourage developmentally appropriate learning experiences
- Balance technology with whole-child development
“Our charge now is to recalibrate, evaluate the role of educational technology in the classroom and balance access to that technology with the kinds of instruction and interaction we know help students thrive,” Board Member Nick Melvoin, who introduced the resolution, said following the board’s vote.
Will parents have a voice?
Yes. An amendment approved with the policy requires the district to conduct annual public reviews and gather feedback from educators, students and parents on how the guidelines are working. The first review may include school experience survey questions asking families whether students spend too much, too little or an appropriate amount of time using devices at school.
District officials say the policy will continue to evolve as new research emerges and schools gain experience implementing the guidelines.
At a Glance: LAUSD Screen-Time Limits by Grade Level
| Grade | Screen-Time Limit | Starts |
|---|
| Early ed–Grade 1 | 0 minutes | August 2026 |
| Grades 2–3 | Up to 20 min/day | November 2026 |
| Grades 4–5 | Up to 30 min/day | November 2026 |
| Grades 6–8 | Up to 60 min/subject/week | January 2027 |
| Grades 9–12 | Up to 90 min/subject/week | January 2027 |
