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Palm Springs Unified holds first reading of smartphone policy to align with California’s 'Phone Free Schools' law
Summary
Board received a first read on a district smartphone policy aligned with AB 3216 (the Phone Free Schools Act), which would limit classroom phone use, allow limited access at lunch for secondary students and take effect July 1, 2026; board members asked about enforcement, parent notice and disciplinary consequences.
Palm Springs Unified School District trustees on Jan. 27 received a first reading of a proposed district smartphone policy intended to align local rules with AB 3216, the state "Phone Free Schools Act," which the presentation said was approved by the governor on Sept. 23, 2024.
The policy, presented by Executive Director of Student Learning Mark Arnold, seeks to "prohibit or limit student use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices during the school day to support student mental health and learning," while preserving exceptions for emergencies and teacher permission. Arnold said the district surveyed 4,621 respondents — students, parents and staff —…
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