Starting Tuesday, February 17, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the country, will enforce a ban on cell phones during the school day. The policy, approved by the school board last June, aims to reduce distractions and improve student focus.
Under the new rules, students must turn off and store their phones, smartwatches, and earbuds during school hours. Exceptions will be made for emergencies, health-related needs, and students with disabilities.
“This is certainly the least controversial right decision we’ve made, but it’s one that’s actually being celebrated by parents, a lot of students that recognize the deleterious impact that cell phone overuse has had on kids’ mental well-being. So we have about four months to consult with stakeholders, researchers, teachers, parents, students themselves and principals,” LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said
“We want kids to socially interact with their peers, rather than having their heads down, even when they are around their peers, which we often see. We want to limit distractions in the classroom. We want to empower teachers with the educational environment that they deserve,” Carvalho said.
Schools have the flexibility to enforce the ban in different ways, such as requiring students to keep devices in their backpacks or using storage boxes, magnetic pouches, Velcro pouches, or classroom phone holders. However, students will still be allowed to use their phones before and after school.
Supporters argue that limiting cell phone use will create a better learning environment. LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin, who led the effort, stated on Instagram that “the research is clear: widespread use of smartphones and social media by kids and adolescents is harmful to their mental health, distracts from learning, and stifles meaningful in-person interaction.”
LAUSD joins a growing number of school districts that have implemented similar policies in an effort to curb distractions and promote student well-being.
