Students engaged in learning without the distraction of personal devices
Los Angeles, July 28, 2025
The Los Angeles Unified School District has officially enforced a full-day ban on cellphones and personal technology for students during school hours. Voted in June, the policy aims to mitigate distractions, address mental health concerns, and promote a focused learning environment. While all students are subject to the ban, exceptions are made for approximately 63,000 students with disabilities. Initial responses from educators and students have been positive, although parents express mixed feelings about their children’s connectivity and learning needs.
Los Angeles – As of February 18, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has officially implemented a full-day ban on cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal technology for students during school hours. This new policy was voted on by the LAUSD Board in June 2024 and extends existing phone restrictions to include lunchtime and passing periods.
The decision was driven by growing concerns regarding the impact of mobile devices and social media on the mental health of youth, bullying incidents, and distractions that detract from classroom instruction. Board members emphasized the significance of creating a focused educational environment free from such interruptions.
However, the ban will not apply uniformly to all students. At least 63,000 students within the district, who are identified with disabilities, are afforded exceptions. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans will retain access to their devices under specific conditions. Numerous families have reported that their children utilize technology for critical functions, such as controlling medical equipment, managing anxiety, and regulating their emotions.
For instance, a middle school student named Faith from North Hollywood, who has a cochlear implant, relies on her phone to manage her device and maintain connections with friends. The legal framework, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), mandates that students with disabilities receive a “free appropriate public education.” However, this does not extend to automatic provision of assistive technology under the current cellphone ban.
Families wishing to seek exemptions for their children must proactively contact school officials to address their individual needs concerning cellphone use, prompting varying responses from district representatives. Parents of students without exemptions express concern that their children might lose vital tools for learning and feel isolated in situations where peers can connect through their devices.
While LAUSD aims to foster an improved educational atmosphere by curbing distractions and encouraging face-to-face interactions, advocacy groups have raised skepticism regarding the cellphone ban. Such policies may inadvertently create barriers for students who depend on technology to enhance their educational experiences. Critics argue that studies on the mental health outcomes of cellphone restrictions show mixed results, with some indicating no significant improvement in overall phone or social media usage among adolescents.
Under the new regulations, students are required to store their mobile devices in magnetically sealed pouches or backpacks during school hours, a measure that aims to prevent unauthorized access. Early reports from LAUSD indicate positive responses from some teachers and students, highlighting increased attention and engagement levels during class.
Despite this feedback, some students have attempted to bypass the ban using dummy devices or other tools to access their phones throughout the school day. In contrast, numerous parents maintain mixed feelings about the ban, particularly concerning their children’s ability to connect in emergencies.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | February 18, 2024 |
| Devices Banned | Cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal technology |
| Scope of Ban | All school hours including lunch and passing periods |
| Exceptions | Available for students with IEPs or Section 504 plans |
| Number of Students Affected | Approximately 63,000 students with disabilities |
| Storage Requirement | Devices to be stored in magnetically sealed pouches or backpacks |
| Initial Feedback | Positive reports from teachers and students about engagement |
The LAUSD cellphone ban prohibits students from using cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal technology during the entire school day to reduce distractions and promote better focus in the classroom.
The ban applies to all students in the LAUSD, with exceptions made for those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans who can use their devices under specific conditions.
The ban was implemented in response to concerns regarding the negative impacts of phones and social media on youth mental health, instances of bullying, and classroom distractions.
Families must proactively contact school officials to discuss individual needs and assert their rights for exemption from the ban for their children with disabilities.
Early feedback from teachers and students has been largely positive, noting increased attention and engagement in classroom settings without the distractions of personal devices.
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