LAUSD board to consider new student screen time policy

NBC Los Angeles reports that the LAUSD Board of Education will vote Tuesday on a new screen time policy that would restrict device use by grade level, including eliminating digital devices for kindergarten through first grade, prohibiting use during lunch and passing periods for younger students, and banning non-instructional gaming apps like Roblox and Fortnite on district-issued devices. The policy cites American Academy of Pediatrics research on harms of excessive screen time—vision problems, anxiety, depression, and reduced academic achievement—and seeks to encourage paper-based assignments, marking a reversal of the district's years-long push to equip every student with technology. Board member Nick Melvoin frames the proposal as resetting students' relationship with technology, similar to the smartphone ban implemented last year. The reporting includes specific policy details and a named source, though the article lacks perspectives from technology advocates or implementation concerns; corroboration from the LA Times and Education Week confirms the vote is scheduled and indicates broader national momentum for restricting classroom device use, while The Eastsider reports the policy would not be implemented until 2026-2027 if approved.