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Student Cell Phone Use

Phone-Free School Day Policy

San Diego Unified School District has new guidelines for mobile phone use on school campuses to help to minimize student distractions, elevate academic performance and prioritize students' mental health and well-being. San Diego Unified’s guidelines were developed in accordance with California's Phone-Free School Act (Assembly Bill 3216), and after seeking significant input from students, parents, and educators. It was approved by the Board of Education on July 8, 2025 and will be in effect beginning  the first day of the 2025-26 school year. 

This overview provides you with essential information about the policy changes that will impact your student’s school site.

Key Points:

  • New district-wide policy applies to all grades Transitional Kindergarten - 12th Grade 
  • Phones must be turned off during the instructional program and be kept out of sight, such as in a student’s backpack.
  • Implementation: August 11, 2025 (first day of school)

Policy At-A-Glance

What's Prohibited

✗ Phone use during regular school hours (per your school's bell schedule)
✗ Phones visible during instructional time
✗ Disruptive use during permitted times

What's Allowed

All students: Before first bell, after dismissal, on buses, during extracurriculars
High school only: Lunch and passing periods
Emergency situations
Health/IEP/504 plan needs
Teacher-authorized instructional use


Other Devices

  • Earbuds, headphones, smartwatches allowed in high school (teacher discretion)
  • Must not disrupt instructional time

Enforcement Overview

Approach: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) + Restorative Justice Practices

Progressive Steps:

  1. Verbal reminders
  2. Counselor referral
  3. Parent contact
  4. Phone retention (instructional time or full day)
  5. Event/activity restrictions for ongoing violations

Resources & Support


Review complete guidelines and procedures

 

Child Tablet

Responsible Phone Use Article: Smartphones and Children: Are These Hazardous to Their Health?

To read, click here.

Discussion Questions:

  • What does responsible phone use look like at home, at school, and with friends?
  • Are there boundaries we want to set (e.g., no phones at dinner or bedtime)?
Child Tablet

Screen Time and Brain Development

Article: What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Children’s Brains?

To read, click here.

Discussion Questions:

  • Have we noticed emotional or behavioral changes tied to screen time?
  • What are some screen-free activities that help us connect as a family?

Downloadable Policy Signage


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)