NewsNBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsAugust 10, 2026San Diego
San Diego Unified restricts student device usage and updates school priorities
San Diego Unified School District is implementing new technology restrictions on district-issued devices, including blocking video-streaming and gaming platforms, as part of its 'Learner-Centered Technology initiative.' The district is also launching new wellness and curriculum programs while reporting that new student enrollment has exceeded its goal for the upcoming school year.
Read the full story at NBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsWhy It Matters
Nearly 100,000 students and their families will experience changes to how classroom technology is accessed and how the district prioritizes student wellness and academic curriculum for the 2026-27 school year.
Key Facts
- District-issued Chromebooks will now block video-streaming platforms like YouTube unless enabled by teachers.
- Non-instructional gaming platforms are now blocked on district devices.
- Computer carts are being removed from all transitional kindergarten classrooms.
- Students with IEPs or 504 plans will continue to receive appropriate access to technology.
- The district is using the 'Blocksi' platform to filter inappropriate content.
- The district exceeded its enrollment goal of 1,309 new students for the 2026-27 school year.
- 1,950 new students enrolled in July and 1,083 in June.
- The district is launching a new preschool curriculum focused on language and literacy through play.
- The 6th-grade math curriculum is being relaunched with a mix of online, paper, and hands-on learning.
- The district serves 175 schools from preschool through grade 12.
- Existing phone policies remain in place, prohibiting phone use during school hours with specific exceptions for lunch and passing periods.
Who's Mentioned
organizationBlocksi“Digital safety platform used for content filtering.”personFabi Bagula“Superintendent of San Diego Unified.”organizationSan Diego Unified School District“The school district implementing the new policies.”otherBlocksi“Digital safety platform used for content filtering.”personSusan Barndollar“Executive director of nursing and wellness.”personShana Hazan“Trustee of the SDUSD school board.”personRichard Barrera“President of the San Diego Unified Board of Education.”other619-260-2410“Phone number for enrollment assistance.”