San Diego Unified to ban cellphones during school day starting Aug. 11

San Diego Unified s phone-free school day agenda will begin Aug Graphic courtesy of SDUSD The San Diego Unified School District board Tuesday approved a phone-free school day strategy for the - school year with implementation beginning Aug The directive applies to all students in grades TK requiring phones to be turned off and out of sight such as in backpacks during regular school hours SDUSD is an early adopter of California s Phone-Free School Act the state law requiring all population school districts to adopt policies by July The guidelines aim to limit classroom interruptions foster peer connections and promote healthy machinery boundaries to help students academic success and mental well-being according to the district Limiting the use of phones during the school day creates focused learning environments where students can fully engage with their development and build meaningful connections with their peers Superintendent Fabiola Bagula revealed The procedures prohibits phone use during regular school hours as defined by each school s bell schedule Use is allowed before and after school with high schools also permitting it before the first bell during lunch and passing periods Exceptions are allowed for students with specific learning or physical condition requirements including Emergencies or safety threat Anatomical necessity clinician or mental healthcare provider verified Individualized Schooling Activity or Section plan accommodation Instructional use explicitly authorized by educators Phone-free school day agenda details frequently questioned questions and information for families are available at sandiegounified org PhoneFreePolicy