In a significant decision, the Los Angeles Unified School District has committed to cutting down on the screen time students have in classrooms. This shift aims to steer students away from digital devices like laptops and tablets, bringing back more traditional methods such as writing with pen and paper.
The Board of Education’s unanimous vote of 6-0 on Tuesday, with one abstaining, marks a notable change for the second-largest school district in the United States, particularly after years of investing heavily in educational technology.
Parents gathered at the meeting, showing their support with stickers that said “School Beyond Screens” and signs proclaiming “Teachers Before Technology,” celebrating the outcome of the vote.
As part of this new initiative, officials will be tasked with creating specific screen time guidelines tailored to different grade levels and subjects before the policy is implemented for the 2026-27 school year.
The resolution includes measures such as banning device use for students in the first grade and younger, limiting screen time for older students during lunch and recess, and restricting access to YouTube on school devices.
Acting Superintendent Andres Chait expressed his support for the resolution during the board meeting.
Moreover, it allows parents to exempt their children from technology use in classrooms and mandates a thorough review of the district’s technology contracts.
Board member Nick Melvoin, who proposed the resolution, highlighted the district’s responsibility to lead the way and engage in this important conversation surrounding educational practices.
This decision follows increasing advocacy from families, notably a grassroots organization named Schools Beyond Screens, which has gained around 2,000 local members.
Parents have voiced concerns in meetings and online, arguing that the reliance on devices is adversely affecting their children’s learning experiences.
Some parents mentioned that distractions from video games, social media, and online content have negatively impacted their children’s academic performance.
There was also criticism regarding the tendency to use class time for online quizzes, which disrupted subjects like music, physical education, and science.
Anya Meksin, a parent leader within the organization, called this a historic reform that she hopes will inspire similar changes nationwide, characterizing it as a cultural shift in educational technology.
The district leaders will need to monitor screen usage among students and provide regular updates to families along with conducting annual surveys of parents, students, and staff members.
This decision reflects a notable pivot from recent trends when former superintendent Alberto Carvalho advocated for universal access to digital devices, asserting that they were essential for educational equity.
Carvalho had faced criticism regarding concerns over excessive screen use, dismissing such worries as a “newly informed privilege.” He had maintained that schools were not to blame for fostering digital addiction, suggesting that parental responsibility plays a crucial role.
This week, the district defended its previous emphasis on technology, stating that devices were intended to enhance learning and address economic disparities.
However, the board’s recent vote indicates a shift in direction.
Similar policies, though on a smaller scale, have also been adopted in places like Beverly Hills, Bend, Oregon, and Burke County, North Carolina.
