Governor Newsom recently signed groundbreaking legislation to limit smartphone use during school hours, a measure aimed at reducing distractions and protecting student well-being. Local schools are now following this lead by instituting a transition period before a full, no-exceptions ban takes effect next fall.
Principal Jennifer Brown explained that this semester serves as a trial phase “We decided to roll out the phone ban this semester….. to prepare for when it will be fully enforced in the fall,” she said. During this period, teachers have limited power to determine when personal devices are used for instruction, ensuring that students without smartphones are not disadvantaged.
Some educators have voiced concerns about the policy’s consistency and the challenges of enforcing it. Science teacher Mike Franks commented, “Here in the United States, in many school districts, we’ve kind of hit a critical point where just a certain percentage of students just can’t handle their cell phones….. and unfortunately, the kids that need to be off their cell phones are the ones that are most inclined to be on them and addicted.”
Franks noted that while interactive lessons using phones have been a staple in his classroom for a decade, managing distractions remains an ongoing battle.
To bridge the gap, the school is adopting alternative technologies, ordering iPads for science lab recordings, testing walkie-talkies with earpieces for event coordination, and issuing lanyards for designated recorders. Some students and parents have expressed concerns about safety, especially in the event of an emergency like a school shooting. “I understand why people worry about that,” Brown says. “If God forbid, there’s a serious situation like a lockdown, we follow strict safety protocols—turning off lights, covering windows to stay hidden. Taking out your phone at that moment could make you a target, so students need to be very cautious.”
However, she clarifies that the policy does allow for emergency use. “The law makes an exception for imminent danger. If you’re in immediate risk, you can use your phone in an emergency; no one will stop you. But using it to text a parent for something minor doesn’t count as an emergency.”
Local optometrist John Ikeda stressed the health risks associated with excessive screen time: “The average screen time for high school students is about nine hours and has increased dramatically since COVID. Just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Ninety percent of people are experiencing digital eye strain, which includes dry eyes, blurred vision, tired eyes, and headaches. Studies have proven that blue light emitted by screens disturbs sleep patterns and people’s sleep isn’t as restful as it should be. Screen time leads to dry eyes that will be irreversible. Screen time is not just affecting our eyes, it is altering kid’s brain development and not in a good way.”
As the school moves toward full implementation of the phone ban, Brown hopes students, teachers, and parents will recognize the benefits. “Ultimately, this is about helping students focus, engage, and learn without the constant distraction of their phones,” she says. “We know change can be difficult, but we believe this will have a positive impact in the long run.”
