Iowa, for example, passed a law that limited digital instruction for elementary students. Instead of treating screens as the default tool for instruction, some schools are directing teachers to use laptops only when the technology adds clear instructional value. In June 2026, Los Angeles approved a policy that eliminates in-school screen use for students in preschool through first grade. This distinction between passive consumption and purposeful use is increasingly shaping school policy. For older students, technology may remain central to learning, particularly when students are using it to program, analyze data, model complex systems and critically evaluate information.