Palm Springs Unified holds first reading of smartphone policy to align with California’s 'Phone Free Schools' law
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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 — and that the most commonly preferred option was to require phones remain with students with no use during class, but allowed during breaks and lunch.
The first‑read draft proposes different expectations by grade band: students in transitional kindergarten through grade 5 would not use mobile communication devices on campus once they arrive; devices would be turned off and put away during school hours. Secondary students (grades 6–12) would be required to have devices turned off and put away during instructional time and passing periods but may use devices on campus during lunch. The policy allows a school‑site council to adopt a stricter elementary‑level approach if desired.
Board members asked detailed questions about enforcement and consequences. Arnold said storage solutions such as lockers or Yondr pouches were not recommended districtwide because of cost; instead, he said many districts successfully require devices to remain stored in backpacks. On consequences, Arnold said refusal to surrender a device would not be a suspendable offense and that the district plans restorative and counseling interventions for chronic misuse rather than immediate suspension: "If it's a chronic offender, then probably there will be some consequences, but suspension would not be one of those options."
Trustees also pressed for robust parent communication and clarity about the role of site‑level school site councils, which Arnold said would be part of the rollout. The presentation set an implementation timeline that includes continued principal engagement through March and a go‑live implementation for the 2026–27 school year; the agenda notes formal approval is scheduled for the board meeting on Feb. 10, 2026.
The board did not take a final vote on the policy at the Jan. 27 meeting; the item was presented for discussion and a first reading. Board members and staff said they will expand communications to parents, principals and staff before returning with the approval item and recommended implementation supports.
