Los Angeles Schools Restrict All Students From Using AI Tools

Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school system in the United States, has restricted all student access to generative artificial intelligence platforms for the 2026-27 school year. The district confirmed the change in an email late on 2 September 2026.

Before the change, students who were 13 or older, had completed required digital citizenship instruction, and had reviewed the district's responsible use policy could access approved generative AI tools. Under the new approach, those routes are closed while the district reviews instructional use and safeguards.

The district held the first meeting of its Generative AI Ad Hoc Committee, which is to develop recommendations for guardrails and procedures governing future student use. The committee is expected to share its recommendations with the school board by the end of the 2026-27 school year.

The restriction follows a similar step in New York City, which announced a one-year ban on AI use for elementary and middle school students. It also arrives amid wider efforts to limit screen time and device use in classrooms. In June, Los Angeles became one of the first large districts to adopt a policy limiting screen time and 1:1 device use for its youngest students. Local advocates have pushed for such moratoriums, citing concerns that the technology has not yet been shown to be safe or to improve learning.

• The restriction applies to students across all grade levels.
• It is described as temporary, in place while policy is reviewed.
• In August, the U.S. Department of Education stated that decisions to limit devices in schools are ultimately a local matter.

The original reporting on this development was published by K-12 Dive: LAUSD restricts all students from using AI tools.