No screens at all for TK–1st (possibly 2nd)

Strict screen time limits for older grades

No devices at lunch, recess, or passing periods

Youtube + gaming blocked on school devices

More paper, books, and actual handwriting

Parents can opt out of certain tech

Devices still used, but not all day, every class

Teachers expected to be more selective

Students can’t freely browse youtube anymore

Teachers can still show videos (intentionally)

Games (Roblox, Fortnite, etc.)

Streaming rabbit holes

No phones or devices at:

Worksheets

Journals

Physical textbooks

Plan lessons with less default tech

Coordinate across classes so screen time doesn’t stack

Use devices only when it actually adds value

Get training on:

Less required screen-based homework (especially younger grades)

Example: i-Ready already capped at ~30–45 min/week

Now: Resolution passed

June 2026: Final rules announced

Fall 2026: Goes into effect

2026–27 school year: rollout + adjustments

attention spans

overuse of edtech

“busywork” apps replacing real learning

How strict schools actually get (this will vary… a lot)

How magnets adapt

Whether teachers fully buy in

What your kid says after week one 👀

Grade-level screen limits: The policy will set daily/weekly caps on in-class screen time by grade. For example, one guideline is no more than 1 hour total per day (5 hours/week) for grades 3–5. Limits for middle and high school will be similarly defined, with younger grades capped more strictly.

No devices for youngest learners: The Board resolution calls for eliminating one-to-one devices in Early Ed through 1st grade (no screens for TK/K/1st in class, except required tests). (LA Times confirmed “students will be kept away entirely from screens until second grade”.)

Zero screens during breaks: Elementary and middle schoolers cannot use devices during passing periods, lunch, or recess (unless a teacher approves specific work). This builds on last year’s cell-phone ban and means phones/tablets stay put on campus.

Block YouTube and gaming: Student-led use of YouTube and streaming video will be blocked or limited on school devices. Non-educational games (e.g. Roblox, Fortnite) may also be blocked.

Emphasis on pen & paper: The resolution “encourage[s] the use of paper and pen assignments and physical textbooks”. Administrators are told to push “paper and pen” rather than default to screens.

Parent opt-out/opt-in: There will be clear opt-out procedures so families can refuse certain tech use during the school day. Parents may also opt in to let their child use district devices at home and can consent to Google apps individually.

Teacher support: LAUSD will train staff on the new policy, offering professional development on reducing screen time and using tech wisely (including new AI tools). Schools must coordinate across subjects to avoid “excessive cumulative screentime”.

What about homework? A February 2026 LAUSD memo already said i-Ready should NOT be homework (30–45 min/week max). Going forward, districts are encouraging off-screen homework especially for younger grades.

YouTube in class? Teachers will no longer let students freely roam YouTube on school devices. District-provided devices will have student-driven streaming blocked; teachers can still show curated videos as needed (but with ads/off-limit content managed).

Devices at home? Family devices aren’t covered by the policy – these rules are for school time. But LAUSD will let families opt in to using district laptops at home and will offer guidance on good screen habits.

Special needs/virtual academy? The resolution excepts mandated assessments and students in the virtual academy from the K–1 ban. Also it calls for flexibility by disability category (e.g. a student on the autism spectrum might get different screen allowances).

By June 2026: LAUSD staff must present the new policy (with grade-by-grade limits) for Board approval.

Fall 2026 (SY26-27 start): Classrooms will follow the new limits (no devices in early grades, etc.). This is a “recalibration” of tech use after the pandemic surge.

During 2026-27: The district will train teachers on the policy, gather feedback, and review its own tech contracts and practices. The Board will revisit the policy annually (including committee on AI use).

AB 3216 (Phone-Free Schools Act, signed Sep 2024): All California districts must adopt a smartphone-use policy by July 1, 2026. LAUSD already banned phones at school in 2024; AB 3216 formally requires districts to prohibit or limit phones (typically on a bell-to-bell basis).

(Proposed) AB 1644: In 2026 some lawmakers introduced a bill to mandate “bell-to-bell” phone bans, but it’s not law yet.

AB 2071 (Digital Wellness Act, introduced Mar 2026): Would require middle/high schools to include digital wellness in health classes (teaching students about screen habits, AI, media literacy). This aligns with LAUSD’s emphasis on educating parents/kids about screen-time impacts. (AB 2071 was authored by Assemblyman Josh Hoover to “equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world”.)

Other states: Utah recently passed a law banning classroom screens in K–3 except computer science/testing. Alabama and others have K-5 limits. These indicate a national shift.

Lesson planning: Teachers will shift to analog methods whenever possible. Many classes will use worksheets, textbooks, group work or hands-on projects instead of endless software drills. For example, an ELA teacher might have students read books or write in journals during class instead of always tapping at apps.

Tech use when needed: When digital tools are justified (e.g. a science simulation, or computer science class), the district encourages group work on shared devices. Elementary grades will use laptop carts or computer labs for lessons (not every student’s own device). In middle/high school, teachers may still use Chromebooks, but will do so strategically and within the time caps.

Enforcing limits: Principals and teachers will track screen time. The district resolution calls for schoolwide coordination so that a student’s math, reading, etc. tech time adds up reasonably. Screen time may be monitored through the district’s tech systems; schools will report usage to ensure compliance.

Professional development: LAUSD will provide training for teachers on implementing the new policy. This includes workshops on alternative teaching methods (paper-based, discussions) and safe AI use. Some teachers have already begun cutting screens; now they’ll get official guidance. District leaders (Acting Supt. Chait, Board Members) have said they’ll back teachers with time and materials for this shift.

Parents wanting more tech: The policy is not a blanket tech ban. It’s about intentional use. Parents who value digital learning can support their child by focusing tech use on high-impact activities. For instance, even under the new rules, students can still learn coding, math apps or research online – but teachers will carefully choose when. LAUSD will also allow families to opt in to use school laptops at home for homework. In other words, tech isn’t outlawed; it’s just on a curriculum “schedule”.

Students with device-intensive interests: If your child loves computer science or digital art, rest assured teachers can still incorporate those in class. Tech magnets and charter schools with a “technology” theme will adapt by scheduling lab time and mixing in analog projects. They won’t be exempt, but they can prioritize the most critical tech lessons.

Stay engaged: District leaders say they’ll involve parents in finalizing the policy. You’ll get resources on supporting healthy tech habits (guides on video addiction, etc.). If you support digital tools, speak up in school meetings: suggest how to fit them into classes without excess screen time. The resolution also mandates sharing a list of approved apps and contracts, so parents can see exactly what tools are in play.

Opt-Out Process: Watch for a communication in late spring/summer about the opt-out consent form. Under the new guidelines, you can refuse specific platforms (like i-Ready or a particular app) if you prefer your child not use them during school hours.