San Diego Schools to Implement New Cell Phone Policy

News Summary

The San Diego Unified School District plans to enforce a new cell phone policy in compliance with the Phone-Free School Act. Effective August 11, 2025, the policy will restrict usage for middle schoolers and regulate usage for high school students. The district seeks community feedback on the changes until May 30, 2025, aiming to enhance student focus and minimize distractions. The finalized policy will be presented for school board approval in Summer 2025.

San Diego – The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) will implement a new cell phone policy for students as part of a broader initiative under the California Assembly Bill 3216, commonly referred to as the Phone-Free School Act. This policy is anticipated to take effect on August 11, 2025, as part of the district’s efforts to comply with the law that aims to limit cell phone usage in schools.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act into law last year, mandating that all school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education in the state adopt a policy to restrict or prohibit cell phone usage by July 1, 2026. Newsom indicated that the primary goal of the legislation is to refocus students on their academic responsibilities and social interactions, steering them away from screen distraction during school hours.

The SDUSD has drafted specific policies that cater to both middle and high school students. Under the new guidelines, middle school students will be prohibited from using cell phones during school hours and will be required to store their devices in designated areas. For high school students, cell phone usage is permitted only before or after school, during lunchtime, or during passing periods. In classrooms, high school students can only use their phones with written permission from the school’s principal.

Implementation and Feedback Timeline

To facilitate the enforcement of the new policy, each classroom will have a designated phone storage system where students can securely keep their phones during instructional time. There will be exceptions to the phone ban; students may use AirPods and smartwatches at a teacher’s discretion. In emergencies, students are allowed to request phone use through school staff or the main office.

The district is currently seeking input on the proposed changes from the community through May 30, 2025. The finalized policy will be presented for review and potential approval by the school board in summer 2025. This step is crucial as it ensures that the planned implementation aligns with community expectations and educational goals.

Student Engagement and Consequences

According to interim superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula, the development of the policy included student input, which aimed to minimize cell phone distractions during school discussions. Students provided feedback on possible consequences for policy violations, which may include the confiscation of devices by teachers. Recognizing the importance of preparing younger students, Bagula mentioned plans to include fourth and fifth graders in future deliberations regarding technology use in school.

Communication with Parents

Once the policy is finalized, the district plans to communicate its impact on students’ development, encouraging parents to discuss technology use and its implications with their children. This initiative aims to foster meaningful conversations at home about balancing education and screen time.

Concluding Notes

With all California school districts mandated to finalize their rules regarding cell phone usage by July 2026, the SDUSD is taking proactive steps to ensure compliance while also enhancing the educational experience for students. The upcoming policy reflects a significant shift in how technology is integrated into the school environment, highlighting the district’s commitment to student learning and development.

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Additional Resources

• CBS 8: San Diego Unified Working on New Cellphone Policy
• NBC San Diego: San Diego Unified Making Changes to Student Cell Phone Use Policies
• Fox 5 San Diego: San Diego Schools Cell Phone Policy
• Axios: San Diego Unified Phone Restrictions in Schools
• San Diego Union-Tribune: Phones in School
• Wikipedia: Cell Phone Policy in Schools
• Google Search: Cell Phone Policy in Schools
• Google Scholar: Cell Phone Usage in Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Cell Phone
• Google News: Cell Phone Policy Schools