Oakland Unified’s school board voted Wednesday to approve a new policy restricting screen time for students, following in the footsteps of Los Angeles Unified.
As reported by The Oaklandside, the new policy will go into effect in the 2027-28 school year and will ban student use of laptops or Chromebooks during recess or lunchtime. In addition, teachers will not be allowed to use computer programs that use game-like reward systems or “rely excessively on screen use.” The district will also develop age-appropriate guidelines for using laptops and artificial intelligence tools in class, based on research, by June 2027.
The Oaklandside reported that many online comments showed parents and teachers support the measure.
“As a long-time OUSD parent, I ask the board to adopt this resolution,” wrote Nicholas Ditmore in one comment. “My children already spend time on screens outside of school, and the school day should not unnecessarily pile on more. I especially support ending recreational Chromebook use at lunch, recess, and classroom free time — those moments should be for play, conversation and rest. This resolution doesn’t remove technology from learning, it ensures devices are used purposefully and safely.”
This story was originally published by EdSource.