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Over 429,000 students in the nation’s second-largest school district will be prohibited from using cell phones in the classroom. After the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board passed the ban earlier this week, a new policy will be developed within the next 120 days. The board’s 5-2 vote bans student use of cellphones and social media platforms during the entire school day. According to the board, the policy, which is district-wide, will go into effect by January 2025.

Why Ban Cell Phones In The Classroom?

The move is an attempt by educators to curb classroom distractions and protect students’ mental health. K-12 teachers in the U.S. have increasingly faced challenges over students’ cellphone use. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center report, 72% of high school teachers said cell phones were a significant distraction in classrooms. By implementing this ban, LAUSD aims to create a more focused learning environment free from the interruptions caused by cell phones in the classroom.

Statewide and National Support

California Gov. Gavin Newsom expresses his support for efforts to restrict cellphone use in schools across the state. Newsom previously signed legislation in 2019 that allowed, but did not require, districts to limit or ban smartphone use at schools. The Los Angeles ban will expand on its existing policy that prohibits “the use of cellular phones, pagers, or any electronic signaling device by students on campus during normal school hours or school activities, excluding the students’ lunchtime or nutrition breaks.” The current policy was adopted in 2011.

Similar bans on cell phones in the classroom are happening around the country. In March, Indiana lawmakers signed a bill prohibiting students from using phones and other wireless devices in classrooms. As of the 2021-2022 school year, more than 76% of K-12 public schools prohibit cellphone use in non-academic settings, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Lawmakers in at least eight states have considered passing similar legislation, reflecting a growing national trend to address the issue of cell phones in the classroom.

Implementation Challenges

For the updated policy, the LAUSD says school officials will have to consider options for cellphone storage, such as locked pouches or lockers during school hours. Officials also need to consider age and grade-level appropriate guidelines. Some students might need special exceptions, especially those with learning or physical disabilities.

The ban is receiving mixed reactions from school administrators, parents, and students. Some of the concerns are over student ownership, safety, and communication. Also, how will schools enforce this ban on cell phones in the classroom? Among the concerns is how students would be able to communicate with parents in the event of an emergency, such as a mass shooting. The school board intends to seek input from students, parents, staff, and experts on the best ways to implement the ban in all LAUSD schools by the spring semester of the 2024-25 school year.

Balancing Safety With Education

Parents and educators across the country express their concerns on how cell phones impact young people. In terms of creating distractions or causing mental health issues, many medical experts and psychologists believe it has a significant impact. The ban aims to address these concerns by limiting cell phones in the classroom, which can lead to improved focus and academic performance. However, ensuring student safety remains a top priority, and the district will need to find a balance between restricting cell phone use and maintaining effective communication during emergencies.

The new policy brings up several legal elements, including students’ rights and the enforceability of the ban. In general, school districts have broad authority to create and enforce rules. While students do have certain rights, these rights are not absolute in the school context. The courts have consistently held that student rights must be balanced against the schools’ need to maintain a safe and orderly environment.

As the district implements the policy, they must ensure that they apply it fairly and consistently. Deldar Legal will be monitoring the situation and watching how the change unfolds. If you have concerns or require legal assistance regarding the new cell phone ban, our team is here to provide help! Contact us anytime at (844) 335-3271 or fill out an online submission form.