In September of 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), which requires every school district, charter school and county office of education to develop a policy limiting or prohibiting the use of smartphones in schools by July 1, 2026.

The act was developed to address problems linked to smartphones (and other mobile communication devices) on campus, such as bullying, classroom distractions, mental health issues, and phone addiction. Notably, the law allows students to use their phones in case of an emergency, however, as well as for medical reasons, and in support of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

 AUSD’s phone policy (Board Policy 5131.8) already met all requirements of the act. To ensure that the policy best fits the needs of students, employees, and families, however, district staff and the Board of Education’s Board Policy Subcommittee set out to review the existing protocol, solicit community feedback on it, and explore options for adapting it. 

The resulting changes go into effect this school year. As a very high level summary:

• All students need to turn off and put away their personal devices during instructional times.
• Elementary and middle school students need to keep their devices off and away during non-instructional times, too (i.e., phones are off bell to bell).
• High school students can use devices during non-instructional times.

All students can use phones in class if:

• There is an emergency
• They need it for medical reasons
• It is part of a student’s IEP
• The teacher wants students to use their phones for instructional reason.

Last spring, staff also drafted a new Administrative Regulation to implement the new policy.

The Review Process

After talking about smart phone use and strategies with site administrators, AUSD sent a survey to all secondary students, staff, and families in February 2025. The survey asked respondents questions about a wide range of topics related to student use of phones at school, including:

• Why students should be allowed to use phones at school (safety and coordinating plans were two of the top reasons across all groups)
• What problems arise when students use phones at school (students not paying attention and students misbehaving were the top two cited)
• Priorities for a new policy (parents said “consistency in enforcement” and all three groups ranked “mental health concern” as a top reason

In August of 2025, the Board of Education approved minor updates to BP 5131.8 to align it with state law. Over the course of 2025-26 the Board of Education’s Board Policy Subcommittee, together with staff, discussed how best to implement the changes. In June, 2026, the committee approved a new administrative regulation for student use of smart phones and other personal devices (including phones, smartphones, smart watches, tablets, and other smart devices).

Under the new regulation:

• Elementary school students need to keep their devices off and away all day.
  • If they need to call their families, they can call from the school office.

 

• Middle school students need to keep their devices off and away all day.
  • Teachers may require students to place devices in a designated spot during class.
  • Students may not use devices:
    • In restrooms, locker rooms, or other areas where privacy is expected
    • To record or photograph anyone without their clear and express permission
    • In any other way that infringes on the safety or rights to privacy of others
  • Device use is permitted before school and after school.

 

• High school students must turn off their devices during instructional time.
  • Teachers may require students to place devices in a designated spot during class.
  • Students may not use devices:
    • In restrooms, locker rooms, or other areas where privacy is expected
    • To record or photograph anyone without their clear and express permission
    • In any other way that infringes on the safety or rights to privacy of others
  • Device use is permitted before school, after school, and during break/lunch/passing periods.

In accordance with state law, teachers and administrators may permit device use under the following circumstances:

• When a licensed physician, surgeon, or licensed therapist determines that possession or use is necessary for the student's health and well-being  
• When device use is identified in the student’s IEP or 504 Plan
• When emergency communication is required during a safety or active threat scenario
• When the teacher authorizes device use for instructional purposes
   

Enforcement and Consequences

Students must adhere to AUSD’s Electronic Device policy.

When a student violates the policy:

First Offense

•  The student will be warned, and discipline may occur.

Second Offense

• Electronic device confiscated by teacher and brought to the office on day of confiscation.
• Student may pick up device at the end of the school day.
• Discipline may occur.

Third Offense

• Electronic device confiscated by teacher and brought to the office on day of confiscation.
• Parent contacted with instructions to not allow student to have it on campus.
• Parent must pick up electronic device.
• Discipline may occur.

Additional infractions

• Will result in all of the above with possible loss of privileges and disciplinary consequences

Please review these rules with your students before the first day of school. Please also remember that neither the school nor AUSD can reimburse students for lost, stolen, or damaged personal cell phones brought to campus. 

Going forward, AUSD will continue to monitor student use of personal devices and adjusting the policy and regulation as needed.