California Schools Ban Smartphones to Reduce Bullying

In response to increasing smartphone distractions among students, schools like Bullard have introduced comprehensive campus-wide bans on cellphones. This trend has been particularly noted in smaller and charter schools, such as Soar Academy in San Bernardino, which serves a predominantly low-income student body. The policy aims to eliminate the option for students and parents to choose whether to comply, with initial violations resulting in confiscation of phones for the day and parental notification. Superintendent Diego Ochoa highlighted a significant shift in student behavior post-pandemic, noting that students were engaging with their phones more intensely than before. This prompted the school district to implement a smartphone ban across four middle schools in 2022. Ochoa emphasized the necessity of such measures, suggesting that other schools should consider similar policies to address the issue effectively. To enforce these bans, various methods are being employed, including smartphone lockers and locked pouches. While some schools, like Oakland High School, have not adopted blanket bans, they still utilize pouches to manage phone usage during class. Graduates like Louisa Perry-Picciotto have expressed concerns about the impact of these policies on students who rely on their phones for work and communication. Ochoa acknowledged the importance of communicating the rationale behind these policies to students, as many felt left in the dark about the reasons for the restrictions. He noted that even minor violations could have detrimental effects on academic performance and school culture, underscoring the need for a thoughtful approach to policy implementation.