New cell phone use policy for students
Melissa Leal gave board policy updates. A policy regarding mobile devices has been pending since AB 3216 – The Phone-Free School Act, a bi-partisan bill, passed in the California legislature and was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom Sept. 23, 2024. The bill requires every school district, charter school and county office of education to develop a policy limiting the use of smart phones by July 1, 2026. Themes presented in the bill include student safety, increased face-to-face time, improved mental health and academic issues.
Although the bill calls for limits in cell phone use during classroom hours, it stipulates that parents and educators must allow students to use their phones in case of an emergency or as a response to a perceived threat of danger.
Leal explained that she sent out a required survey and got 286 responses back from families, staff and the administrative team. The two options were:
1. Limited cell phone use during classroom hours.
2. No use during classroom hours.
Overall, 54.5 % of respondents favored option 2, said Leal. Leal mentioned there have been ongoing issues with phone safety and security with students.
Option 2 was approved by PCOE-PUSD administrator White at the meeting and will go into effect in September. The PUSD advisory board supported the decision.
