Teachers union president calls for limits on AI and screen time in schools

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

May 27, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT / Updated May 27, 2026, 9:41 AM EDT


The head of one of the country’s largest teachers unions called for limits on technology in schools in a speech Wednesday, including blocking most students from using computers in class until they reach third grade, prohibiting student-facing AI in elementary schools and banning “social companion” chatbots until age 16.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, declared that students “are drowning in tech.” She proposed an independent research consortium to study the effects of AI and screens on student learning. “Students need their teachers — real human beings, not robots and not chatbots,” she said in a speech at the National Press Club in Washington.

Weingarten’s comments signal that she is a prominent new ally to a fast-growing grassroots movement of parents pushing to scale back screen time in public schools. The effort, which has bipartisan support, arises from concerns that completing classwork on school-issued laptops distracts students, leading to worse grades and social skills.

“I am not calling for an AI ban or a Chromebook bonfire,” she said. “What I am calling for is getting the balance right to harness the benefits of technology while mitigating the harms.”

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/education/randi-weingarten-teachers-union-limits-ai-screen-time-school-rcna346871

[highplainsdem]

1. It's a start, but she needs to do more. She's been too cozy with AI companies, too approving and

admiring of AI. She was really told off by a lot of teachers and others on Bluesky last winter for foolishly posting AI slop as "fun":

American Federation of Teachers president thought AI slop would be "fun" to share on Bluesky. Big mistake.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220895596

If you support unions (DUers should) but still think it's OK to post AI slop, see the hundreds of Bluesky replies
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220895856

[BigmanPigman]

2. I was just reading about this last night.

I'm SO happy this is happening!!!!! As a 1st grade teacher I saw the negative effects and extremely high costs of school districts spending tons of money for every 5 year olds/Kindergarten student to provide tablets and repair the devices. That's just from a budget standpoint. Devices in schools sucks in every way possible.

Trying to teach with tech BS is taking up too much $$$$ and valuable teaching time as well as socializing out of class.


"The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the first major district in the nation to restrict classroom screen time, a policy taking effect in the 2026-2027 school year. Driven by parent advocacy, the rules are being implemented to protect children's well-being and encourage traditional pen-and-paper assignments.

Pre-K and 1st Grade: All device usage is prohibited.
2nd and 3rd Grade: Daily screen time is strictly limited to 20 minutes.
4th and 5th Grade: Daily screen time is capped at 30 minutes.
Social and Outdoor Time: Elementary and middle school students are banned from using devices during passing periods, lunch, and recess.
Video Restrictions: Access to YouTube on district devices will be blocked to prevent unstructured autoplay and ads.

LAUSD to restrict student screen time after years of encouraging classroom use".

LAUSD to restrict student screen time, a sharp policy reversal - Los Angeles Times https://share.google/hWcCSOQnFD9b0rqw6