LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved a resolution today to limit student screen time across the district. Building on last year’s cell phone ban, the proposal calls for comprehensive, developmentally appropriate guardrails on instructional technology for all grade levels, including key provisions to eliminate use of student devices for youngest learners, prohibit student-led use of YouTube and other video streaming platforms, and review and present a public report of all existing classroom technology contracts.
“During COVID, student devices became a necessary lifeline, and seemingly overnight, screen time limits were shelved to ensure every child had access to the technology they needed to continue learning and stay connected with their teachers and peers. 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,” said Melvoin.
The resolution—which was co-sponsored by Board Members Karla Griego, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Kelly Gonez, Board Vice President Rocío Rivas, and Student Board Member Jerry Yang—positions L.A. Unified as a national leader in setting thoughtful, research-based limits on student screen use and classroom technology tools.
“When we are intentional about how our students engage with technology, we invest in their focus, their health, and our future,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “Providing guidelines for our students affords our youngest learners the space for human interaction and play to develop foundational cognitive and social skills and gives our oldest learners opportunities for meaningful connection and collaboration within their community. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution that balances how and when we use technology in our classrooms, preparing our students to be Ready for the World.”
“With the rapid rise of technology and the growing research on its impacts, a policy addressing screen time for our youngest learners is long overdue,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “As a cosponsor, I am honored to cosponsor this resolution that establishes clear, developmentally appropriate guidelines around screen time and the use of single-use devices in our schools to ensure a balanced approach to technology that helps our students learn, grow and thrive.”
“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,” said Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait. “Technology is an important tool that can expand access and enhance learning, but it is most effective when used purposefully and guided by educators.”
"This resolution aligns our classrooms with what research, neuroscience, and our own lived experience are telling us: intention matters, balance matters, and our students’ minds and wellbeing must come first," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
“As a Board Member and a parent, I believe access to technology must come with clear expectations and safeguards,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “This effort ensures we are using technology with intention, to support student learning while also prioritizing their well-being, safety, and social development.”
"Technology can be a powerful tool, but too much screen time has real harmful effects on our students,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. "This resolution will ensure we are prioritizing important skills and learning experiences for students, while protecting their childhoods and well-being by setting research-based screen time limits. I look forward to continued conversations on artificial intelligence, the utilization of iReady, and other critical issues to ensure that our classrooms are places that uplift our students, preserve human connections, and promote holistic well-being.”
###
Contact: Ally Salvaria, Communications Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (818) 726-6151