At Bullard High School in Fresno, Principal Armen Torigian has observed significant benefits from the school’s cellphone ban. According to Torigian, the reduction in bullying and increased socialization among students are clear advantages of the policy. However, enforcing these restrictions has proven difficult.
Rather than using the magnetically locked pouches provided, some students place non-functional items such as old phones or calculators inside. Others tamper with the pouches, creating openings or altering them to appear sealed. While most students follow the rules, a few who resist cause significant disruptions.
Torigian expressed frustration, stating, “It’s easy to say no phones, but the addiction is real. Students go to great lengths to keep their devices.”
Bullard High, which implemented the cellphone ban two years ago, serves as a model for other schools now considering similar measures. These schools report improvements in student engagement and reductions in bullying but face challenges such as effectively securing phones and addressing device addiction.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently highlighted Bullard High as an example and urged schools statewide to adopt cellphone restrictions, referencing a 2019 law that supports such measures. Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest in the nation, plans to enforce a cellphone ban starting in January. State legislators are also proposing bills to extend these restrictions, including bans on social media use during school hours and notifications from social media companies.
The push to limit smartphone use is driven by concerns about student well-being. A Pew Research Center survey found that one-third of middle school teachers and nearly three-quarters of high school teachers view smartphones as a significant problem. A 2023 Common Sense Media study revealed that the average student receives 60 notifications and spends about 43 minutes on their phone each school day.
The call for action extends beyond California. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently urged Congress to mandate warning labels on social media content for youth protection. Attorneys general from 45 states have filed lawsuits against Meta for inadequate child protection. Additionally, the book “The Anxious Generation,” released in March, links declining youth mental health to smartphone use and advocates for school bans until high school.
California is at the forefront of this national trend. New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul is considering a statewide ban, while Florida, Ohio, and Indiana have already implemented restrictions. Education Week reported in June that 11 states either restrict or encourage restrictions on student phone use.
In San Bernardino, Soar Academy, a TK-8 charter school, has also faced difficulties with its cellphone ban. Principal Trisha Lancaster noted that enforcing the ban through an honor system has been challenging but effective. The school banned phones during all school hours and communicated the policy clearly to parents and students. Initial resistance from some students and parents was met with clear consequences, such as phone confiscation and meetings with the school board.
Lancaster reported improved teacher satisfaction and a more positive school atmosphere, despite some ongoing resistance. The benefits of reduced distraction and enhanced social interaction were evident, though academic performance remained steady.
Similarly, the San Mateo-Foster City School District, which serves 10,000 students, implemented a smartphone ban in four middle schools in 2022. Superintendent Diego Ochoa observed improvements in student engagement and reductions in depression and bullying. However, he acknowledged that attributing these changes solely to the smartphone ban is complex due to concurrent policy adjustments.
Urban Discovery Academy in San Diego also adopted a cellphone ban in the 2023-24 school year, citing significant improvements in campus climate and reductions in discipline issues linked to phone misuse. Principal Ron Dyste emphasized the necessity of addressing smartphone addiction and its impact on student well-being.
To enforce the bans, some schools use smartphone lockers or locked pouches. While Yondr pouches were initially used, issues such as students breaking them or using Bluetooth to bypass restrictions led some schools to seek alternatives. Dyste opted for clear plastic lockers as a more cost-effective solution.
Student reactions to these policies vary. Oakland High School senior Leah West views mandatory phone locking as punitive, arguing that it can foster rebellious behavior. Louisa Perry-Picciotto, a recent high school graduate, appreciates not having had a smartphone until later, while Edamevoh Ajayi, a junior at Oakland Technical High School, believes some students benefit from restrictions, even though she feels her self-control is sufficient.
Fremont High School science teacher Chris Jackson expressed concern that smartphone bans might disproportionately affect Black and brown students. He advocates for addressing the root causes of smartphone misuse rather than focusing solely on punitive measures.
Bullard High is revising its policy to allow phone use at lunch to facilitate important communications. Principal Torigian hopes this adjustment will improve compliance and address concerns about accountability.
Ochoa suggests that clearer communication with students about the rationale behind such policies is crucial. Effective implementation requires explaining the policy’s benefits and addressing student concerns to minimize resistance.
Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, agrees that transparency is key. He emphasizes the importance of involving parents and teachers in understanding and enforcing restrictions to support students’ well-being and academic success.