Dozens of parents urge LAUSD to restrict screen time and curtail generative AI in early grades

Dozens of parents and advocates used public comment at the Dec. 17 Los Angeles Unified School District board meeting to press the district to curb early‑grade screen time, limit generative‑AI classroom tools and provide clearer financial reporting on EdTech contracts.

“Is it empowering and innovative to allow products like these on our children's devices without adequate safeguards and without even notifying parents?” asked Leila Byock of Schools Beyond Screens, citing an example of a fourth‑grader’s assignment that produced sexualized AI imagery when students used a generative‑AI tool. Multiple speakers said district guidance that encourages weekly I‑Ready minutes has become de facto requirement and urged the board to lift those minute recommendations while a parent‑facing EdTech policy is developed.

Speakers gave a range of evidence and concerns: Julie Edwards, an arts educator with Schools Beyond Screens, said vendor‑funded efficacy studies do not substitute for independent peer review and asked the district to stop tracking compliance with recommended minutes. Aaron Craig and other parents framed the issue as an opportunity‑cost decision, asking whether millions spent on EdTech platforms would instead be better used for teachers, art programs, or smaller classes.

Several speakers raised data‑privacy and advertising worries. A remote parent described kindergarten students routinely exposed to advertising when teachers play YouTube videos, and others asked whether school‑issued devices allow students to meet people online and requested a straightforward opt‑out pathway.

Christina Brown, a parent, criticized outside funding and governance ties she said connect education nonprofits like code.org to venture and corporate donors; she listed large donations she attributed to tech companies and foundations and said such ties risk conflicts of interest. Those claims were made in public comment and were not disputed or confirmed during the meeting; board members did not provide immediate answers during public comment because the items were not agendized.

Several speakers — including Maria Luisa Palma and others participating in parent advisory committees — also demanded greater financial transparency so parents and committee members can see which funding sources pay for which positions, how LCFF and LCAP dollars are allocated, and how voter‑approved funds for arts instruction have been used.

What happens next: speakers repeatedly asked the board for a public agenda item and committee review to clarify I‑Ready expectations, device policy, advertising controls, data privacy protections and a parent‑facing EdTech policy. Board staff advised that public comment items are not answered on the spot under Brown Act procedures and that parents should submit written questions to boardmembers@lausd.net for responses or to request follow‑up meetings.