Students engaged in learning without the distraction of personal devices
Los Angeles, July 28, 2025
The Los Angeles Unified School District has introduced a ban on cellphones, smartwatches, and other personal technology for students during the entire school day. The policy aims to reduce distractions and concerns about mental health, bullying, and social media impact. While some students with disabilities can receive exemptions, the ban raises questions about accessibility to necessary technology for learning. Initial reports suggest increased focus in classrooms, although concerns about potential challenges for students are evident.
Los Angeles – Starting February 18, 2024, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has implemented a full-day ban on the use of cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal technology for students. This new policy prohibits the use of these devices throughout the school day, which includes class time, lunch breaks, and passing periods, marking a significant expansion of existing phone restrictions previously in place.
The decision followed a vote by the LAUSD Board in June 2023, which was influenced by concerns regarding the adverse effects of smartphones and social media on the mental health of students. Board members highlighted increasing issues related to bullying, distraction from academic activities, and the overall well-being of young individuals as pivotal reasons for the ban.
Among the 63,000 students with disabilities enrolled in LAUSD, an exemption to the ban has been established. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans can retain their phones under specific conditions, recognizing the essential role technology plays in managing health issues and enhancing daily learning experiences. For example, a North Hollywood middle-school student with a cochlear implant uses her device to control her medical equipment and maintain social connections.
Families must actively assert their children’s rights to secure these exemptions, as the ban does not automatically ensure access to necessary technology. This oversight could inadvertently hinder students who rely on their phones for critical support, including medical management, emotional regulation, and peer communication.
Without exemptions, students could risk losing vital learning tools and may experience feelings of isolation as they navigate their educational environments in a technology-free zone. Parents of students, such as the aforementioned middle-schooler, are encouraged to reach out to school officials to discuss their children’s unique needs concerning cellphone use.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees students with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education; however, the new cellphone ban has raised questions about the accessibility of assistive technology, which is not automatically accounted for under these new school regulations.
Critics, including advocacy groups, have also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of cellphone bans. They argue that restricting devices can pose barriers for disabled students or others who utilize technology as a means of enhancing their educational experiences. Research on the psychological impacts of cellphone restrictions has yielded mixed results, with some evidence suggesting that such bans may not lead to improvements in overall phone or social media usage among adolescents.
Despite these concerns, LAUSD hopes that the policy will cultivate a more focused educational atmosphere by reducing distractions and encouraging more meaningful social interactions. As per the new guidelines, students will be required to store their devices in magnetically sealed pouches or backpacks during the school day. Initial reports from teachers and students indicate a positive response to this measure, with observations of heightened engagement and attention in classroom settings.
Some students, however, have found ways to circumvent the ban, utilizing creative methods to access their phones during school hours. Meanwhile, parents have expressed mixed feelings about the policy, particularly regarding the potential lack of immediate access to communication tools in emergencies.
As of February 18, 2024, LAUSD has banned the use of cellphones, smartwatches, and similar devices for the entire school day, including lunch and passing periods.
Yes, students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans may retain their cellphones under certain conditions.
The ban was put in place due to concerns about the impact of phones and social media on students’ mental health, bullying, and classroom distractions.
Families must contact school officials and assert their rights to exemptions based on their children’s individual needs.
Students without exemptions may not have access to vital learning tools and might feel isolated among their peers.
Students must store their phones in magnetically sealed pouches or backpacks throughout the school hours.
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