San Diego Schools Implement Phone-Free Policy

News Summary

The San Diego Unified School District has approved a Phone-Free School Day Policy, affecting all grades from TK to 12 starting August 11, 2025. This policy, aligned with California Assembly Bill 3216, aims to manage rising cell phone usage amid growing concerns. Students are prohibited from using their phones during school hours, with exceptions for high schoolers at specific times. The SDUSD emphasizes a positive approach for enforcement, aiming to foster a supportive classroom environment while providing resources for families to adapt.

San Diego – The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has officially approved a new Phone-Free School Day Policy set to take effect on August 11, 2025, coinciding with the start of the next school year. The unanimous decision made during a board meeting on Tuesday night impacts all students from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade.

This new policy arises in response to California Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free School Act, which mandates that school districts across the state must adopt similar measures by July 1, 2026. The push for updated regulations reflect changes in technology and a notable increase in mobile device usage that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the new guidelines, cell phones will be prohibited during regular school hours and must be stored out of sight—either in a student’s backpack or locker. However, there are specific exceptions to this rule. High school students will be permitted to use their cell phones before school, during lunch, and during passing periods. In emergencies or health-related situations, phone use is allowed, and teachers may also authorize phone usage for instructional purposes.

Survey Results and Community Support

Prior to the policy’s approval, the district conducted a survey that involved both students and parents. The feedback revealed significant support for the new phone policy, with many respondents advocating for its implementation as soon as possible, rather than waiting for the scheduled start date.

Enforcement Measures

The SDUSD plans to implement the policy through approaches emphasizing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Justice Practices (RJP). These strategies aim to maintain a constructive and supportive educational environment. Initially, students who breach this new policy may receive verbal warnings or counseling referrals. In cases of repeated infractions, phones could be confiscated until the end of the school day, and students could also risk losing participation in extracurricular activities.

Liability and Additional Resources

Importantly, the policy states that the SDUSD will not be held responsible for any phones that are lost, stolen, or damaged while in the possession of staff during enforcement actions. To further support families navigating this transition, the district will provide additional resources aimed at fostering healthy phone habits at home.

In conclusion, the Phone-Free School Day Policy reflects a proactive effort by the SDUSD to address the growing concerns surrounding cell phone use in schools. As the beginning of the 2025-26 school year approaches, the district encourages families to stay informed about the full details of the policy, which can be found on the SDUSD website.

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Additional Resources

• CBS8: San Diego Unified New Phone Policy for Students
• NBC San Diego: San Diego Unified Cellphone Policy
• Fox 5 San Diego: San Diego Unified New Cell Phone Policy
• Times of San Diego: San Diego Unified Bans Cellphones
• NBC San Diego Video: San Diego Unified Vote on Cell Phone Policy
• Wikipedia: Cell Phone Usage in Schools
• Google Search: Cell Phone Policies in Schools
• Google Scholar: School Cell Phone Policy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School
• Google News: San Diego Unified School District