Partnering for Student Success: Mobile Device Policy Resources

Q: Why is the district implementing this policy?

A: The goal of this policy is to support student well-being and academic success. By limiting the use of mobile devices during instructional time, we can help create a more focused, engaging, and connected school environment, which is essential for learning.

Q: What devices does this policy apply to?

A: The policy applies to all personal mobile communication devices, including (but not limited to) cellphones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and earbuds.

Q: How does this policy relate to California Assembly Bill 3216 (AB 3216)?

A: Under AB 3216, California school districts are required to adopt a policy that limits student use of mobile devices in an effort to support focused learning and the mental health and well-being of students. This policy meets the requirements of AB3216.

Q: What students and parent voice was included in developing the policy?

A: Nearly 5,000 students, parents/guardians, staff members and others shared their thinking in a ThoughtExchange, offering more than 3,600 thoughts and more than 64,000 ratings. The exchange revealed themes:

• Distraction and Focus: Many of you said that mobile devices can distract students and make it hard for them to focus on schoolwork.
• Safety and Communication: Participants also stressed that it is important for students to have their devices for safety reasons, especially in emergencies.
• Privacy and Cyberbullying: Some of you are worried about privacy and the risk of cyberbullying when students use their devices without limits.
• Consistency and Enforcement: Many want clear and consistent rules for all schools and grade levels to make sure the rules are fair and followed by everyone.

Ultimately, the voice of our community emphasized the need for clear and consistent policy regarding the use of mobile devices with a balanced focus on the learning environment and the necessity of having devices available in emergencies.

Access the full ThoughtExchange results.

Q: How are the specific rules for our school decided?

A: Each school's leadership team, in collaboration with the entire staff, develops a single, uniform practice for the campus. This ensures that the rules are clear and consistent in every classroom. This practice is then included in the school's Comprehensive School Safety Plan, student handbooks and other communications from your school site.

Q: Will the rule be the same in all of my student's classes?

A: Yes. To ensure consistency for students and staff, a single, uniform practice must be used across the entire campus and in every classroom.

Q: Do schools that already have a phone policy need to change it?

A: If a school's existing practice already aligns with the new district policy, it does not need to be changed. The practice simply needs to be formally documented in the school's safety plan.

Q: Can my student use their phone in an emergency?

A: Yes. In an emergency situation, such as a school lockdown, students must be permitted to use their devices once staff have determined it is safe to do so. The method for storing devices during class will ensure students can access them in an emergency.

Q: What if my student needs their phone because they feel unsafe at school?

A: These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. If a student or parent/guardian raises a safety concern, the school will convene a threat assessment meeting to develop an appropriate safety plan. If it is determined that access to a mobile device is necessary, it will be included in the student's safety plan.

Q: My student has an IEP or 504 plan. How does this policy affect them?

A: Students with an IEP or 504 plan are subject to the same restrictions unless their plan specifically allows for the use of a device to meet their needs. If a device is allowed, the plan should specify how and when it can be used.

Q: Are there times when a teacher will let students use their phones in class?

A: Yes. A teacher may grant permission for students to use their devices during instructional time if the purpose is to directly support the lesson or activity taking place in the classroom.

Q: Can I contact my student during the school day? 

A: You can always contact the school office to get a message to your student during the school day. Most schools also provide an opportunity for students to check their devices for messages during non-instructional time. 

Q: What happens if a student uses their phone when they aren't supposed to?

A: Schools will use progressive discipline for violations, which aligns with existing site practices. Consequences may include but is not limited to verbal warnings, referrals to the administration, and conversations with parents/guardians.

Q: What are the consequences for repeated violations?

A: Progressive discipline will continue. If a student violates the practice on three or more school days, the school administration may require the student to turn in their device upon arrival at school each day or prohibit the student from bringing a device to campus altogether.

Q: If a student has to turn in their phone for the day due to repeated violations, where is it kept?

A: In cases of repeated violations where a student must turn in their device, it may be kept in any secure location on campus as determined by the site administrator. In this specific circumstance, it is not required to be stored in the same room as the student.

Your child's school office or principal can answer questions specific to the site's rules for student use of devices on campus.