Students in some of the nation’s biggest districts will be spending less time in front of screens this school year.
District Administration is tracking large systems as they reconsider the role of devices. New policies range from blanket bans in the early grades to as-needed usage in high school courses.
This story will be updated as more districts take action.
Seattle Public Schools
Announced Sept. 21, 2026
Starting in January, students in kindergarten through first grade will no longer be assigned iPads and will be limited to 30 minutes of daily screen time.
iPads will remain in classrooms for approved learning activities.
New York City Public Schools
Announced Sept. 2, 2026
One-to-one screen time is prohibited for students in early childhood programs through kindergarten.
The district recommends no more than 30 minutes of screen time in grades three through five, and 45 minutes in grades six through eight.
Restrictions vary for high schoolers depending on their coursework.
Dallas ISD: Grade-level screen time limits
Announced September 2026
Dallas ISD recommends clear safeguards for students at all grade levels.
Here are the details:
- Pre-K through second grade: Maximum 60 minutes per day.
- Grades 3-5: Maximum 90 minutes per day.
- Grades 6-8: Maximum 120 minutes per day.
- Grades 9-12: Screen time will vary based on a student’s selected pathway, such as dual-credit or career and technical education.
Los Angeles Unified School District
Announced April 21, 2026
The Los Angeles Unified School District set the stage with its policy, which was officially adopted over the summer. Some grade-level screen time caps will phase in later this fall.
Here are the policy details:
- Preschool through first grade: No in-school screen time.
- Grades 2-3: 20 minutes daily, including homework (beginning in November).
- Grades 4-5: 30 minutes daily, including homework (beginning in November).
- Grades 6-8: Zero-60 minutes per course per week, not to exceed 400 minutes per week, including homework (beginning in January).
- Grades 9-12: Zero-90 minutes per course per week, not to exceed 600 minutes per week, including homework (beginning in January).
