A US city is set to enforce a 30-minute screen time rule in schools, while some students face a complete ban - here's what parents need to know

Los Angeles school screen time limits: A major change is coming for students in Los Angeles, where new school screen time limits are set to take effect starting August 1, as per a report.

The new guidelines, finalized by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), will affect more than 500,000 students and introduce strict limits on how much time children can spend on screens during school-related activities, as per The Sun report. For some students, the rules mean a daily cap of just 30 minutes. For the youngest children, screens will disappear from the classroom altogether.

As the second-largest school district in the United States rolls out the policy, the move is already generating discussion among educators, parents, and families.

Kindergarten and First Grade Students Will Face a Full Ban

The biggest change will be felt by the district's youngest students. Beginning August 1, children in kindergarten and first grade attending LAUSD public schools will no longer be allowed any screen time as part of their instruction, as per The Sun report

The district says the updated policy is designed to “Reflect the District’s focus on balancing the use of technology with teacher-led instruction, hands-on learning, and meaningful student engagement,” as quoted by The Sun.

Older Elementary Students Will Have Strict Daily Limits

Additional restrictions will begin later in the year.

Starting in November:

• Students in grades two and three will be limited to 20 minutes of screen time per day, including homework assignments.
• Students in grades four and five will be allowed a maximum of 30 minutes per day, also including homework.

The daily limits apply to instructional screen use, making digital learning time significantly shorter than before for many students.

Middle and High School Students Will Also See Changes

Older students will face weekly limits rather than daily caps.

Beginning January 1:

• Students in grades six through eight will be allowed 60 minutes of screen time per subject each week, including homework.
• High school students in grades nine through 12 will receive 90 minutes of screen time per subject per week, including homework.

What Did LAUSD Say

The new guidelines align with LAUSD's broader efforts to balance technology use in schools, including its existing cell phone restrictions.

LAUSD also said, “The District will continue to work closely with educators, families, and experts to ensure implementation supports student success while meeting the diverse needs of school communities,” as quoted by The Sun.

The New Rules Take Effect in Stages

While the first changes begin on August 1, additional limits will be introduced gradually through November and January, giving schools time to adjust to the new requirements.

FAQs

Which city is introducing the new screen time limits?
Los Angeles, through the Los Angeles Unified School District.

When do the new rules begin?
The first changes take effect on August 1.