LAUSD approves strict limits on screen time for students. Here's what you need to know

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Unified School District has approved some of the most strict screen time limitations for students in the country.

The school board on Tuesday ratified the sweeping policy, which will begin to roll out in the coming academic school year for the nation's second-largest school district. It will be fully implemented by the start of 2027.

It's part of an effort to place guardrails on students' electronic device usage and promote more hands-on learning.

Screen time will not be allowed until students' are in the second grade and 60-minute limits will apply from second through fifth grade. Six-hour weekly limits will apply to middle-schoolers and 10-hour limits for students in high school.

The new restrictive policy "calls for comprehensive, developmentally appropriate guardrails on instructional technology for all grade levels," according to a district news release.

Its key provisions include eliminating use of devices for the youngest students and barring student-led use of video streaming platforms.

The resolution also mandates that all existing classroom technology contracts be reviewed and detailed in a public report.

These screen time limitations are in addition to the cell phone ban that was implemented by the LAUSD last year.

Some doctors believe that children who spend too much time on screens may be exposed to future health problems.

"It can be physical effects such as kids not going outside, less exercise, increased risk of being overweight or obese," said Dr. Alok Patel, pediatrician and ABC News medical contributor. "There's also a lot of psychological and emotional effects as well."

Meanwhile, some critics of the new policy argue it will impact students who don't have access to computers or technology at home.

City News Service contributed to this report.