Statement from Yvette Renteria, Chief Program Officer of Common Sense Media, on LAUSD AI Moratorium

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 3, 2026—In response to the Los Angeles Unified School District's announcement of an AI moratorium, Common Sense Media Chief Program Officer and former school principal Yvette Renteria issued the following statement:

"With a one-year pause on use of AI by students, Los Angeles Unified School District is taking the time needed to address the significant risks associated with student use of generative AI. Much work should be done during this year, including teaching AI literacy—which doesn't require kids to use AI. This time should also be spent establishing and clarifying guardrails and policies around AI use and engaging school communities to hear all perspectives on AI.

We've learned from our own independent testing that many leading AI products are not designed for safety or to properly support learning. We encourage all schools to vet AI and other tech tools before bringing them into the classroom.

Our research also shows that AI use has become almost ubiquitous in the lives of American teens and tweens—and even when it's banned at school, students use it on personal devices. That's why we're calling on the industry to make safer AI products for kids. And our new, free digital literacy and well-being curriculum can help give students important skills while emphasizing the critical thinking they'll need in the AI era."

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.