Billie Lourd Chooses Tech-Free School for Children
The actress focuses on handwriting and woodworking to help her two young sons engage with the real world.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Homeschooling
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Billie Lourd, 34, has enrolled her six-year-old son, Kingston, and three-year-old son, Jackson, in a school that limits iPad use and screen technology. The curriculum emphasizes reading physical books, learning cursive, and practical skills like woodworking.
Why it matters
Lourd is prioritizing traditional academic methods over digital tools due to concerns regarding the impact of technology on childhood development. Her goal is to ensure her children remain focused on real-world engagement within the home where she grew up.
The school restricts technology use for children aged six and three, replacing digital media with handwriting and physical books. The curriculum includes manual woodworking as a core component of the daily instruction.
The players
Billie Lourd
An actress and parent who is raising her two children in her childhood home.
The details
The educational approach removes iPads and similar devices from the classroom to encourage tactile learning. Instead of digital interfaces, students focus on mastering cursive and physical reading materials to build foundational skills. The program also integrates woodworking, allowing children to work with physical tools and materials rather than screen-based activities.
Timeline
2016: Carrie Fisher passed away.
The Home Front
Lourd's shift aligns with the broader movement of parents seeking schools that prioritize physical materials over integrated classroom technology. This trend highlights a growing desire to preserve traditional literacy skills as a primary focus in early childhood development.
If you are concerned about digital habits at home, consider evaluating your child's screen time against their daily physical reading and handwriting practice. Creating dedicated spaces for non-digital hobbies like woodworking or crafts can help children stay grounded in tactile activities.
The takeaway
Emphasizing physical books and manual tasks can offer a balanced alternative to daily screen exposure for young children. Start by establishing a designated, screen-free reading hour each evening to encourage focus on physical literature.
What happens next
Lourd is considering introducing her six-year-old child to the movie Artificial sometime in 2025.
Further reading
For more on educational alternatives, explore our guide to Homeschooling.
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Do you believe children should be educated in technology-free environments?
