Cell phones are an essential tool in today’s society that is used by most people in their daily lives, whether for work, entertainment, socialization, or for school.  However, this will change due to the new cell phone policy established by the Capistrano Unified School District and many other districts nationwide.

“Existing law authorizes the governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school to adopt a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones…by July 1, 2026, develop and adopt, and to update every 5 years,” According to California’s Assembly Bill 3216, also known as the Phone-Free School Act.

Many students across campus are conflicted by the new policy.  Under the new rules, students are prohibited from using their cell phones during instructional time unless permitted by a teacher for educational reasons.  The purpose of the policy is to limit distractions in the classroom, prevent cheating on assignments, and restrain social media harassment and disrespect.  

The policy will be strictly enforced at school. As you enter the classroom, your phone must be on silent and turned into a pouch or box provided by the teacher. The rules will include progressive discipline. First-time offenses will result in phone confiscation and continuous offenses will receive further disciplinary actions.

Studies on implementing this cell phone policy have shown classroom learning environments have become more focused and respectful due to the absence of cell phones.  

California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom has sent numerous school districts open letters to restrict the use of cell phones at school.  

Tony Thurmond, California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, released a statement reiterating Newsom’s letters.

“As parents and educators, we know that excessive smartphone use has a negative impact on the well-being of our young people,” said Thurmond.

However, numerous students are still hesitant to accept the policy since it interferes with socialization, safety, responsibility, and digital literacy.

“It is too strict on cell phones and I feel like by taking our ability to use our cell phones, we don’t learn the skills to be able to use it in a responsible way.  Therefore it is not representative of how real life is,” said senior Melissa Warner.

The downside to the districts’ strict cell phone policy is it can hinder students from learning essential digital responsibility. By prohibiting the use of cell phones, schools deny students the chance to practice responsible and effective use of these tools. 

Instead of promoting discipline and accountability, these policies suppress opportunities to develop self-regulation, which is critical in personal and professional settings. Limiting access undermines students’ digital liberty and fails to prepare them for real-world challenges where a balanced and mindful use of technology is essential.

“I think the new cell phone policy isn’t bad, but I believe that if we’re done with work or are studying, we should have the ability or the freedom to use our cell phones.  Additionally, I don’t believe the new policy is effective because it tempts students to try and steal their phones back,” said sophomore Ezra Carraway.   

Limiting the use of cell phones in a classroom can potentially create more problems than solutions. This suggests that a more balanced approach could promote better behavior and responsible use of phones.

As cell phone usage continues to change, the district intends to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness over the course of the school year and make any necessary adjustments.