Peoria Unified adopts stricter student phone rules after hours of debate

The Peoria Unified Governing Board voted 5-0 on July 9 to adopt a revised student wireless communication devices policy that limits when and how students may use personal phones at school.

The policy, presented by Dr. Hernandez, says students may use wireless devices for educational purposes only when expressly permitted by a teacher and — for high school classroom uses — only after principal approval and parent permission. It bars use of phones in private spaces such as restrooms and locker rooms and prohibits “creating, sending, receiving or possessing indecent visual or auditory material.” The voice vote was recorded as five yesses.

Board members said the policy seeks to balance instructional needs, student safety and parental rights. “The revisions aim to support a safe, focused…