San Diego Schools Implement Phone-Free Policy

News Summary

The San Diego Unified School District has approved a new phone-free policy for classrooms, set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year. This policy aims to minimize cellphone usage during school hours to foster a more focused and productive learning environment. Students are required to keep their phones out of sight, while high school students can use them during lunch and passing periods for emergencies and with permission. This decision is part of a broader trend across the nation to address mental health concerns related to smartphone usage among students.

San Diego – The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has officially approved a phone-free policy for classrooms, set to commence in the 2025-26 school year. This unanimous decision was made during a board meeting on Tuesday and will take effect on August 11, 2025, the first day of the school year.

This new policy aligns with a growing national trend focused on reducing cellphone usage in schools. Under the guidelines, cellphone use will be strictly prohibited during school hours across all grades, from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade. Students are required to keep their phones out of sight, either stowing them in backpacks, placing them on desks, or locking them in school lockers.

While high school students will be allowed to use their phones during lunch and passing periods, the policy permits phone use solely for emergencies, medical purposes, or with the explicit permission of educators for instructional activities.

The policy is a response to California’s Assembly Bill 3216, also known as the Phone-Free School Act, which demands that schools in the state establish restrictions on cellphone use by July 1, 2026. Superintendent Fabiola Bagula has highlighted that limiting cellphone usage can foster a more focused learning environment, ultimately enhancing student engagement and mental health.

The decision to implement this phone-free policy also addresses rising concerns about the impact of smartphone usage on students, contributing to issues like anxiety and depression. Governor Gavin Newsom has echoed these concerns regarding the mental well-being of students in relation to technology use.

Similar restrictions have been enacted in other states, such as California, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, as educational authorities increasingly recognize the need to manage technology use in educational environments.

The newly adopted policy also includes support mechanisms for families, providing tools and resources designed to initiate discussions about responsible technology use at home. Initial violations of the policy may result in verbal reminders or counseling. In cases of repeated or serious infractions, the district may resort to confiscating phones or revoking extracurricular privileges.

Enforcement of the new policy will incorporate Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) to promote positive communication and understanding between educators and students, rather than a strictly punitive approach.

For families needing to communicate urgently with their children during school hours, the district encourages parents to reach out to school offices for assistance.

The development of this policy has involved direct engagement with students and parents, who provided valuable feedback through surveys that called for a timely implementation. This policy represents an evolution from the previous regulations, which had remained unchanged since 2003. The new policy aims to clarify and create consistency regarding cellphone usage across all schools in the district.

The San Diego Unified School District’s introduction of a phone-free policy marks a significant step in shaping a healthier and more productive learning environment, with the aim of ensuring the well-being and academic success of its students.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

San Diego Schools Implement New Cellphone Policy
San Diego Weekend Events: Fun Activities for Everyone
San Diego Weekend Events and Dining Experiences
San Diego Schools Implement Phone-Free Policy
San Diego Schools Propose New Cell Phone Policy
San Diego Schools to Implement New Cell Phone Policy

Additional Resources

• NBC San Diego: San Diego Unified Cellphone Policy
• CBS 8: San Diego Unified New Phone Policy for Students
• Fox 5 San Diego: San Diego Unified New Cell Phone Policy
• San Diego Union-Tribune: San Diego Unified Adopts New Cellphone Ban
• Times of San Diego: San Diego Unified Bans Cellphones Starting Aug 11
• Wikipedia: Cell Phone Policy in Schools
• Google Search: Cellphone Policy in Schools
• Google Scholar: Cellphone Use in Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Cell Phone
• Google News: Cellphone School Policy