Los Angeles, USA, has approved measures to regulate students' use of screens during classroom activities, concerned that technology may cause health problems including obesity, depression, and developmental setbacks.
The measure was approved with a 6 to 0 vote (one abstention), making the Los Angeles school district—the second largest in the country—one of the first in the U.S. to systematically limit classroom screen time by student grade levels.
Nick Melvoin, the policy's proposer, said this initiative will help Los Angeles become a national leader on the issue, following the 2024 ban on mobile phone use in schools.
Supporters said the policy aims to balance the need for educational technology with growing concerns that excessive screen time is affecting children's focus and social development.
Previously, the Los Angeles school district, with about 500,000 students, widely used laptops and tablets, especially after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward digital learning.
The resolution cited research from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicating that excessive screen use is linked to multiple health issues, including eye problems, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, attention deficit, emotional regulation difficulties, and lower academic performance.
It also referenced data showing that children aged 8 to 11 who exceed recommended screen time are at higher risk of obesity and score below standard in cognitive assessments.
However, the policy does not immediately ban devices or set fixed usage times; instead, school district officials will develop age-appropriate guidelines after consulting teachers, parents, and health experts. Meanwhile, schools will continue following existing rules.
Critics cautioned that screen time limits must be implemented carefully to avoid disadvantaging students with special needs who require technology for learning.
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