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Mobile Devices

updated July, 2026

Background
Beginning with the 2026 - 2027 school year, to help our students thrive without the constant distraction of social media and text messages, SUHSD is limiting students' use of smartphones and mobile communication devices to non-instructional time. This shift aligns with California’s Phone-Free Schools Act (AB3216) and CA Educ Code §48901.7, which requires all school districts in the state to limit or prohibit smartphone use on campus.

Our goal is to create a healthier learning environment where students can fully engage in their education and build meaningful face-to-face connections with their peers.

2026-2027 Implementation 
The Governing Board approved Board Policy 5131.8 in June 2026, which limits students’ use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices during all instructional times. All devices are to be powered off and securely stored in the designated classroom storage unit during all instructional time.  Smartphones brought onto school grounds are to be left in the classroom storage unit for the duration of instructional time, except for the following exceptions: 

  • In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger
  • When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator
  • When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student's health and well-being
  • Students with documented health conditions, as defined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, may be permitted to use a smartphone or other mobile communication device during the school day if it is required in their IEP or 504 plan. 

Parent-Student Communication During Instructional Time
To support student learning and minimize classroom distractions, parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with students before or after the school day or during non-instructional times, such as lunch. If necessary, during instructional time:

  • Parents/guardians who need to communicate with their student should contact the school office.
  • Students may be permitted to use a school office telephone to communicate with a parent/guardian during instructional time, provided it is authorized by school staff.

The district will not be responsible or liable for a student's mobile communication device brought on campus or to a school activity that is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Accountability & Support
If a student does not meet the expectations regarding smartphones and other mobile communication devices during the school day, a teacher or administrator will apply the following actions:

  • First Offense: verbal warning and a reminder of the policy by teacher/staff; student required to place the device in the classroom storage unit. 
  • Second Offense: parent/caregiver notification by teacher/staff;  
  • Third Offense: behavior referral submitted; parent/caregiver notification by administrator; detention or community service assigned. 
  • Beyond Third Offense: the student will not be allowed to use the device at school for 5-10 days. Students will drop off the phone at the Administrative Vice Principal (AVP) Office in the morning before their first period and pick it up in the afternoon at the end of their last period. School to determine additional consequences as needed.

Timeline
(updated August 2026)

  • June 17, 2026
    • Board Approved BP5131.8
  • July 1, 2026
    • Full implementation deadline
  • July 31, 2026
    • Stakeholder communications
  • August, 2026: review with all school staff members and students, implement with fidelity across all classrooms
  • Sept. 14–28, 2026: Student, staff, family and community survey and engagement period
  • Oct. 7, 2026: Presentation of survey and engagement results, an overview of survey question themes, and an update on current school-site implementation and practices
  • Nov. 18, 2026: Presentation of any recommended Board Policy revisions for implementation during the 2027–28 school year
In the foreground, three young students are seated at desks, each engrossed in their smartphones, while the background features a stylized illustration of a classroom with the text of %22The Phone-Free School Act%22 prominently displayed.

 

Definitions: 

  • Instructional time: from the beginning to the end of a classroom period, during educational activities, assemblies, testing, or other school-directed learning experiences. This includes restroom breaks/visits during instructional time, as well as off-campus field trips or other district-supervised activities. 
  • Smartphone and Mobile Communication Devices: A personal electronic device capable of making and receiving calls and text messages, and accessing the internet independently from the school's network infrastructure, commonly referred to as a “smartphone.” For the purposes of this policy, this also includes flip phones, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches, ear buds, smart glasses, gaming devices, and any other personal web-capable device. Note: this policy does not apply to personal laptops. 
  • Classroom storage unit: District-provided storage units used in classrooms to hold student smartphones and other mobile communication devices during instructional time. Students must place their devices in these storage units at the start of each class and retrieve them at the end of each class.

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