States and school districts curb in-school screen time
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · May 7
States and school districts curb in-school screen time
8 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 7
At least a dozen states acted this year after schools spent an estimated $15 billion to $35 billion on education technology from 2020 to 2024.
Los Angeles schools approved limits for older pupils and mostly removed devices through first grade, while Utah, Iowa, Missouri and Tennessee advanced rules restricting digital instruction.
The shift follows parent complaints about distraction and weaker results, despite educators and industry groups arguing some digital tools improve access, personalise learning and prepare students for work.
After a $35 billion tech investment, is unplugging classrooms the right way to boost student achievement?
What does science reveal about how classroom screens are fundamentally reshaping children's developing brains?
The 2026 Movement to Limit Educational Screen Time: Parental Pressure, Research, and Policy Responses
Overview
In April 2026, LAUSD led a major shift by approving strict limits on classroom screen time, eliminating screens for kindergarten and first grade, driven by growing parental concerns about distractions from games and social media. This movement sparked similar policies in multiple states, supported by research showing excessive screen use harms young children's development. Schools now face challenges enforcing these rules while creating alternatives like pencil-and-paper work and tech-free days. The ed-tech industry is adapting to this new landscape, focusing on tools that justify screen time. Ongoing monitoring will be crucial to balance reducing screen exposure with preparing students for a digital future.