SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Unified school board unanimously passed new rules for student cell phone use.
A state law required every school district to create a policy that would limit phone use in class by next summer, but this change comes just in time for this upcoming school year.
San Diego Unified already had similar rules in the district since 2003, but students reported they were enforced differently depending on the school, creating confusion.
This policy clarifies the ban on phones in class applies to all grade levels. It provides exceptions for emergencies as well as before and after school. High schoolers may use phones during lunch and passing periods due to jobs and other responsibilities.
Consequences for those breaking the rules will start with a practice grounded in the district’s restorative justice.
“We’re asking do a verbal reminder, perhaps check in with the student, maybe there’s something happening at home,” explained Enrique Ruacho, chief of staff for San Diego Unified.
If warranted, a teacher can also take a students phone until the end of class or send it to the office for parents to pick it up.
“The way you get to the policy is really important in order for the policy to succeed,” said board vice president Richard Barrera.
This time around students and parents were not only surveyed, but also had a hand in shaping the policy.
“We had supportive responses. They outnumbered the critiques of the policy by more than five to one,” said Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula.
This policy officially begins Aug. 11, the first day of the school year for San Diego Unified.
