LA first school district in US to restrict screen time for students

LocalFamily & Parenting
22 Apr 2026 • 2:15 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

LA first school district in US to restrict screen time for students

  • The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education has endorsed a resolution to curb student screen time, becoming the first major US school system to implement such a policy.
  • Approved by a 6-0 vote, the resolution directs the district to create grade-specific screen time policies and prohibits device use for students in first grade and younger.
  • The new measure also encourages instructors to use paper-and-pen assignments and is considering banning student access to platforms like YouTube and gaming sites such as Fortnite and Roblox.
  • This decision follows increased device usage during the Covid pandemic, concerns from parents about student distraction and declining grades, and research indicating negative impacts of excessive screen time on development.
  • The move is viewed as a significant cultural shift in educational technology, with hopes it will influence other districts nationally, aligning with similar restrictions implemented in countries like France and Denmark.

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