Credit: Alison Yin / EdSource
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) voted 5-2 to develop its new cellphone ban last August — placing the district more than a year ahead of the state’s requirement for districts to limit the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026. Students should expect to have their cellphones off and tucked away starting on Tuesday.
District officials hope that keeping students away from their phones will both boost academic performance and support their mental health.
“Kids no longer have the opportunity to just be kids,” said school board member Nick Melvoin, who authored the initial resolution, in a statement released by the district. “I’m hoping this resolution will help students not only focus in class, but also give them a chance to interact and engage more with each other — and just be kids.”
Here’s what parents and students need to know about what lies ahead.
Where will students’ phones be kept?
It depends on how each campus plans to implement the district policy.
In some schools or classrooms, students might simply have to turn off their phones and put them into their backpacks. In other schools, students will have to place their phones into a storage unit, including pouches that are sealed magnetically.
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
Yes, students who need access to their phones for health-based reasons — or because they have an individualized education program or 504 plan — will be able to hold on to their devices. Students who need help with language translation will also be excused from the policy, along with students who have any other local needs.
What about cases where there is an emergency?
Whether students can access their devices during emergencies has been one of the larger concerns of parents and other community members.
In short, if there is an emergency, students will be granted access to their devices if staff members decide it is safe for them to have them.
But, if a student asks to use their cellphone because they believe there is a potential threat, they won’t immediately be able to do so. Instead, the school will have to complete a threat assessment and develop a safety plan; depending on what they find, students may be granted access.
Can my child have devices other than cellphones?
No. The ban also applies to other devices that “provide similar smartphone functionality,” according to a district presentation. These devices include earbuds, smartwatches and smart glasses.
Will phones have to be tucked away all day — or just when learning is taking place?
Yes, cellphones and similar devices will have to be tucked off and away throughout the school day, including during lunch and any other breaks.
Students will be allowed to use their phones on campus before and after school hours, however.
What are the ramifications for students if they don’t comply?
Verbal reminders and referrals to a counselor or other campus designee would be given to students who are seen with a device. School administrators could also contact a student’s parent or guardian.
Will individual campuses be able to tweak things as they see fit?
Local School Leadership Councils throughout the district — comprised of school personnel, parents, students and community members — will work to determine how best to implement the policy at their sites.
LAUSD’s policy requires each school to hold a Local School Leadership Council meeting while the cellphone policies are being implemented.
