San Diego Unified School District has approved a phone-free school day policy for the 2025-26 school year, with implementation beginning Aug. 11, the first day of the school year.
The phone-free school day policy, developed in accordance with California’s Phone-Free School Act (Assembly Bill 3216), establishes guidelines designed to reduce interruptions to learning, foster in-person connection among peers and support healthy boundaries with technology. The state law requires all public school districts to adopt policies by July 1, 2026, making San Diego Unified an early adopter.
Policy Framework
The policy establishes that phones may not be used during regular school hours as defined by each school’s bell schedule. Phone use is permitted before and after school hours, with high schools allowing additional use before the first bell, during lunch and passing periods.
In accordance with California’s Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), the phone-free school day policy provides flexibility for students with diverse learning and health requirements through the following exceptions:
● Emergency situations
● Health-related purposes or as required by an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan
● Instructional use explicitly authorized by educators
Phone-free school day policy details, frequently asked questions and resources for families are available at www.sandiegounified.org/PhoneFreePolicy
Enforcement
The phone-free school day policy establishes a progressive consequence structure designed to support student compliance using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Justice Practices (RJP). Initial interventions include verbal reminders, referral to a counselor, or contacting parents to review the policy. Subsequent infractions may result in classroom educators retaining phones until the end of instructional time, followed by delivery to site administrators for end-of-day retrieval by caregivers. Ongoing violations may result in inability to participate in school events and extracurricular activities. The framework emphasizes helping students understand the connection between device management and academic success.
