On July 8th, 2025, San Diego Unified School District adopted an updated board policy regarding cell phone usage by students on campus. The text of which you can find below.
SDUSD Website Reference (link)
Introduction
In accordance with California’s Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), all public school districts must adopt policies by July 1, 2026, that limit or prohibit phone use during school hours and contain guidelines for the following exceptions:
- Emergency situations;
- Health-related purposes or as required by an Individualized Education Plan/Section 504 Plan; or
- Instructional use explicitly authorized by educators.
San Diego Unified is committed to create learning environments that minimize distractions, elevate academic performance, and prioritize students’ mental health and wellbeing. By limiting the use of phones during the school day, the district aims to reduce interruptions to learning, foster in-person connection among peers, and support healthy boundaries with technology.
Phone-Free Policy
The use of phones shall be prohibited districtwide, in all grades TK-12, during the regular school day as indicated by each school’s adopted bell schedule. Phones must be turned off during the instructional program and be kept out of sight, such as in a student’s backpack.
Exceptions to this policy may apply based on the following circumstances:
1. In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger, or if a caregiver is aware of a potential safety concern related to a current or future court case.
2. When a licensed physician and/or mental health professional determines that the possession or use of a phone is necessary for the health or wellbeing of the student.
3. When possession or use of a phone is required in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
4. When an educator authorizes the use of a phone for the purpose of participating in or completion of an instructional activity.
Phone use shall be allowed outside of regular school hours, which may include but is not limited to, the following circumstances:
1. When riding a district school bus to or from school, provided that phone use does not interfere with the normal operation of the bus.
2. When arriving at school prior to the initial school bell, indicating the start of regular school hours.
3. After the last dismissal bell when regular school hours have ended.
4. When participating in extracurricular activities, provided that phone use does not interfere with extracurricular participation.
High school students are permitted the use of phones under the following circumstances: before the first bell, during lunch and passing period, and after the dismissal bell, provided that phone use does not cause a disruption to school activities.
Enforcement
Enforcement of this policy will utilize Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), as well as Restorative Justice Practices (RJP), such as:
- Verbal reminders;
- Referral to a counselor/designee; or
- Contacting the parent/guardian to review the Phone-Free School Day policy with their student.
Additional enforcement actions may include, but are not limited to:
- The classroom educator retains the phone until the end of assigned instructional time.
- The classroom educator delivers the phone to a site administrator or administrator designee for retention until the end of the instructional day for a listed caregiver to retrieve. Inability to participate in school events and/or extracurricular activities when violations are ongoing and/or habitual.
Staff Responsibility When Taking Possession of a Student’s Phone
A staff member who is acting within the scope of their work duties, in this case enforcing the school’s Phone-Free School Day Policy, is not responsible for replacement if phones are lost, stolen, or damaged. Should the parent/guardian or the student wish to file a claim related to a lost, stolen, or damaged phone, they would be advised to contact Risk Management to file a claim at 858-725-7345.
Additional Expectations
While this policy addresses when and where phone use is allowed, there may be questions about other common devices. Schools will maintain robust Wi-Fi access to support instruction. Earbuds, headphones, listening devices and/or Smartwatches are allowed in high school but subject to teacher discretion based on the needs of the instructional activity; otherwise, such devices may not disrupt instructional time. For any scenarios not fully captured in this policy, refer to the school site’s student handbook and the district’s acceptable use policy for technology.
Family Resources, Conversation Starters, and Ongoing Communication
Families play a critical role in shaping healthy habits around technology. To support this partnership, the district shall provide curated resources and reflective questions designed to help students, families, and schools engage in meaningful conversations about responsible phone use and screen time. Our shared commitment is to foster healthy relationships with technology that promote student wellbeing, learning and connection – both at school and at home.
Policy SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: July 8, 2025 San Diego, California