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Moreno Valley Unified outlines required mobile-device policy after AB 3216, plans first reading in November
Summary
District staff presented AB 3216-driven mobile communication device policy changes and a draft BP 5131.8 that would limit student smartphone use during instructional time; the board heard a first reading and staff plans school site outreach and a second reading in December.
Student services staff presented a draft mobile communication device policy and an implementation timeline after state legislation requiring districts to adopt limits on student smartphone use.
Philip Peebles, a district student services leader, said AB 3216 changes the law “from authorized to required” and explained the district’s proposed approach: limit phones during instructional time, allow permitted uses for emergencies and documented health or IEP needs, and roll out training and marketing before a January launch. “Keep your head high, your phone away, your mindset ready,” Peebles said during the presentation.
The presentation summarized research the district cited linking heavy smartphone use to sleep disruption, higher rates of anxiety and depression and increases in cyberbullying; Peebles noted that 9 in 10 public schools report occurrences of cyberbullying and said pilot sites already report improved focus where phones are restricted. He described the draft policy (BP 5131.8) and an administrative regulation that would standardize expectations: TK–8 students would have phones packed away during school day activities and high school rules would restrict phones during instructional periods but allow noninstructional use where sites have chosen different practices.
Board members asked about parent contact, health-device exceptions and a discipline progression for violations. Peebles said the district is building a tiered discipline guide with the District Discipline Review Committee, with possible steps such as an initial warning, parent contact, and clearer escalation for repeat offenses. Staff also committed to a communication campaign for students and families explaining benefits and positive alternatives to phone use.
Next steps: staff will visit school sites this fall to gather feedback, present a first reading of the policy in November, return a second reading for final action in December and aim for a January launch with monitoring and a five-year review cadence. No board vote was taken on the policy at this meeting.
