Los Angeles Unified School District has restricted student access to generative AI tools for the 2026-27 school year while developing new guidelines for their use.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has announced a restriction on student access to generative artificial intelligence platforms for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. This decision comes as the district works on establishing new guidelines for the responsible use of AI in educational settings.
Previously, LAUSD allowed students aged 13 and older to access approved generative AI tools, provided they had completed the required digital citizenship instruction and reviewed the district’s responsible use policy. However, this policy has now been revised to limit access for all students.
On Wednesday, LAUSD convened the first meeting of its Generative AI Ad Hoc Committee, which is tasked with developing recommendations for the governance of AI tools in schools. A district spokesperson indicated that the committee aims to present its policy recommendations to the LAUSD school board by the end of the 2026-27 school year.
This move follows a similar decision made by New York City, which recently announced a one-year ban on AI use for elementary and middle school students. The differing approaches highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the integration of AI technology in educational environments.
In June, LAUSD had already made headlines by becoming one of the first large school districts in the nation to implement a policy aimed at limiting screen time and 1:1 device usage for its youngest students. The initiative, led by the parent- and teacher-driven group Schools Beyond Screens, received praise for its focus on reducing screen exposure among young learners.
As concerns about the impact of generative AI in classrooms grow, local advocates have increasingly called for moratoriums on the technology in districts like LAUSD and New York City. Critics argue that generative AI has not yet demonstrated a positive effect on student learning outcomes.
Lila Byock, founder of Schools Beyond Screens, commented on the recent AI restrictions in both Los Angeles and New York City, stating that these actions reflect a collective effort to reclaim public schools from corporate influence. “The people have the power to reclaim US public schools from corporate influence,” she said in a statement.
In August, the U.S. Department of Education also addressed the issue of screen time and educational technology. In a “Dear Colleague” letter, the agency emphasized that concerns regarding educational technology should not be confused with those related to consumer technology. However, it also affirmed that decisions regarding device limitations in schools should ultimately be made at the local level.
While both Los Angeles and New York City have opted to restrict AI use in classrooms, their approaches differ. Los Angeles has implemented a blanket restriction for all students, whereas New York City’s ban extends through high school but allows for limited use of AI for educational purposes, such as learning about the technology itself.
The ongoing discussions and policy changes reflect a broader trend in education as schools navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. As districts like LAUSD and New York City take steps to regulate AI use, the future of generative AI in education remains a topic of significant interest and debate.
According to K-12 Dive, the developments in Los Angeles highlight the district’s commitment to ensuring that educational practices align with the best interests of students.