By Ricardo Roura
Nov 13, 2024, 8:50 PM EST
It will be until February 2025 when the ban on cell phone use comes into effect in schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), a month later than planned.
According to the LAUSD, the restriction on the use of smartphones is implemented starting in February of the second half of the year 2024-2025.
In June, LAUSD school board votes in favor of cell phone ban and social networks during the day of activities on school campuses, including rest periods.
Keep reading: Los Angeles school district investigates racist messages to students
Earlier this year, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said cell phones represented a constant distraction in the classrooms.
“The doorbells ringing, the phone vibrating, the text messages. I’ve been in high schools where there are five or six kids sitting around the lunch table, they’re all talking to each other, but they’re all looking at their phones, texting the people next to you“Carvalho said.
How does the cell phone ban work in LAUSD?
The students They will not be able to use their phones on campus during school hourseven during lunch time or breaks. This ban also includes smart watches, headphones and smart glasses.
Keep reading: Graciela Ortiz in the fight for a seat on the LAUSD Board of Directors
According to the policy, cell phones must be turned off and put awayand schools will be able to decide how the ban will be implemented, either requiring them to be kept in a locker or in a case during the day.
How the ban will be applied will be decided by the Local School Leadership Council (LSLC)a shared decision-making body that includes parents, community members, school staff, and student body representatives.
However, other devices that do not have “smart” capabilities They must also be turned off and put away during school instructional hours.such as devices that can only send and receive phone calls and text messages.
Keep reading: School students in Los Angeles get sick from using drugs
Before and after school hours, students yes they can use their cell phones on campus.
What happens in case of an emergency?
LAUSD believes that any policy adopted must allow students keep access to your phones in case of an emergency.
If an emergency situation arises, students will only be able to take their phones when school personnel determine it is safe to do so.
Keep reading: Los Angeles school district pays $24 million to abuse victims
The schools too may establish other exceptions relevant to your campus. A high school may allow students to use their phones if they are on a college campus as part of a dual enrollment agreement.
According to the LAUSD, the policy does not prohibit a student from using a cell phone or electronic device according to the following exceptions:
- Health-based needs.
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
- Plan 504
- Newcomers who need a translator.
- Local need.
To obtain more information about the policyyou must scroll to page 34 at this link.
Keep reading:
· Los Angeles reinforces road safety in school zones
· Los Angeles students begin 2024-2025 school year
· Alleged shooting threat sparks panic among Woodland Hills high school students