Laguna Beach board tightens mobile-device policy after lengthy debate, adopts AB language
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Summary
Trustees adopted an amended mobile communication-device policy (BP 5131.8) that inserts statutory language about phones'harms (cyberbullying, pupil performance, teen anxiety). The board voted on a sub-motion to revise the introduction and then adopted the amended policy at second reading.
The Laguna Beach Unified School District board approved a revised student mobile communication-device policy, BP 5131.8, at its Sept. 11 meeting after trustees amended the introductory language to echo statutory language describing harms associated with unrestricted smartphone use.
The contested change came as Trustee Sherry Morgan moved to replace a general reference to "emotional well-being and academic performance" with language drawn from the Assembly bill that itemizes harms including interference with the educational mission, lowered pupil performance particularly among low-achieving pupils, promotion of cyberbullying and contributions to increased teenage anxiety and suicide risk. The amendment was moved, seconded and debated under parliamentary procedure; the sub motion passed by roll call (3-2) and the board then voted to adopt the amended policy at the second reading.
Why it matters: The change signals a deliberate effort by the board to align local policy to recent state law and to signal a stricter stance on in-school device management. At least two student board members voiced concern that introductory paragraphs might not need to emphasize harms, focusing instead on pragmatic limits; trustees considered both the need for precise statutory language and the desire to keep bylaws flexible as educational research evolves.
What the board decided: After a procedural sequence (including an amendment, debate and a second vote), the board approved the revised BP 5131.8 (board recorded a final vote reported in the meeting as 5-0 on the amended policy). The adopted language will be implemented as the district's policy on mobile communication devices, with staff-directed procedures to follow.
What remains: Trustees discussed implementation details (age-based rules, exceptions for individualized education programs, staff professional development and family communications). Staff noted the policy aligns with Education Code and includes exceptions for instructional or IEP-required uses; those operational rules will be managed by the superintendent and staff.
