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IMPERIAL COUNTY 性视界传媒� California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on March 12, 2025, that the state will implement a statewide ban on cell phone use for students during school hours starting in 2026. The move is intended to reduce distractions, improve academic performance, and address mental health concerns related to excessive screen time and social media use.

Governor Newsom stated in a press release, 性视界传媒淲e know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues性视界传媒攂ut we have the power to intervene. This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they性视界传媒檙e in school."

The specifics of the policy will allow individual school districts to determine the details of enforcement. Exceptions will be made for emergencies and specific educational purposes. The decision follows similar measures already in place in some California school districts and aligns with growing concerns over the impact of smartphones on student well-being.

Dr. Todd Finnell, County Superintendent of Schools at Imperial County Office of Education,聽explained the timeline for the implementation of the new law.

In a statement to Imperial Valley Press, Dr. Finnell said, "AB3216 (2024) requires each school district to adopt policies limiting the use of smartphones during school hours. These policies are required to be developed by each school Board by July 1, 2026."

Brawley mayor Gil Rebollar spoke to the Imperial Valley Press about the ban.聽

性视界传媒�As a parent of a teenager and a former school board trustee, I性视界传媒檝e seen firsthand how smartphones have reshaped our classrooms性视界传媒攕ometimes for the better, but often at the cost of focus, learning, and real human connection. Governor Newsom性视界传媒檚 Phone-Free School Act is a step toward addressing this challenge, but like any policy, its success will depend on how we implement it. Parents, teachers, and students all need a seat at the table to ensure it性视界传媒檚 done right,性视界传媒� Rebollar said.

Enforcement methods

Alvaro Ramirez spoke to Imperial Valley Press about possible updates in the district. "In the event we have any change to our student policies, we share information with our families and invite them to join our school site council meetings and provide feedback or provide feedback directly to our administrative team."聽

Ramirez, the Director of Safety and Wellness at Imperial County Office of Education, explained that ICOE has an existing cell phone policy.

"Each of our 16 partner school districts are tasked with evaluating their existing policies to ensure compliance by the established timeline. Verification of compliance is the responsibility of each respective Superintendent and School Board.聽 Each district may have a different approach to their process and may or may not have a special board meeting," he said.

While schools may use systems like Yondr pouches, where students place their phones in a locked case that only staff can open at the end of the day, campuses聽might as well require students to keep phones in lockers or backpacks, with penalties for unauthorized use.

A report by suggests聽 that teachers or administrators may be allowed to confiscate phones if students are caught using them during class.聽Some exceptions may exist for using phones in class for academic purposes under teacher supervision. Students may still be allowed to access their phones in case of emergencies, medical needs, or specific learning accommodations, according to Governor Newsome's .

Potential implications

On the positive side, reducing distractions can enhance students' focus and engagement in class, leading to improved academic performance. Limiting social media exposure during school hours may also provide mental health benefits by decreasing anxiety, cyberbullying, and the stress of social comparison. Additionally, encouraging face-to-face interactions fosters stronger social connections among students. With restricted phone access, instances of real-time cyberbullying through social media and messaging apps could also decline.

However, several challenges arise with such a policy. Enforcing phone restrictions may prove difficult for teachers and administrators, particularly in large schools. Some parents might oppose the measure, arguing that they need to maintain direct communication with their children throughout the day. Equity concerns could also emerge, as students from lower-income families who depend on school Wi-Fi for internet access may struggle to complete assignments. Legal challenges are another consideration, as lawsuits could be filed over students性视界传媒� rights and restrictions on personal property.

Furthermore, limiting student phone use may reduce accountability in cases of misconduct. In California, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) investigates educator misconduct, often relying on student-recorded videos as evidence. Many incidents involving physical altercations, verbal disputes, or inappropriate behavior have come to light due to students capturing them on their phones. For instance, in 2019, a Moreno Valley teacher was caught on video punching a student multiple times after the student threw a basketball at him. These recordings serve as critical documentation in disciplinary actions, raising concerns about the consequences of eliminating student phone access altogether.

Mayor Rebollar noted the concerns, stating, 性视界传媒�Of course, safety is paramount. In an emergency, communication is critical, and that性视界传媒檚 why strong school safety plans matter. We need to trust and invest in those systems rather than making students feel like their safety depends on a phone in their pocket.性视界传媒�

性视界传媒�Let性视界传媒檚 also not ignore the elephant in the room: social media. Removing phones from classrooms is one thing, but it won性视界传媒檛 erase the influence of harmful viral trends, online bullying, or the broader toxic effects of digital culture. That性视界传媒檚 why this law should go hand-in-hand with parent and family education and how to build a community where kids can focus, grow, and engage with the world around them. A phone-free school day is a good start, but the real fight is at home, in our culture, and in our priorities,性视界传媒� Rebollar urged.

George Prieto, a Brawley parent, told Imperial Valley Press, 性视界传媒淭here comes a time when it becomes a problem. When they don性视界传媒檛 take care of the responsibility of having a phone.性视界传媒澛�

性视界传媒淚 don't agree with that,性视界传媒澛爃e said of the idea of phones needing to be locked away for the day. 性视界传媒淭hey should be accessible. They should have access to the phone where it性视界传媒檚 not locked up,性视界传媒� he said, noting that in an emergency situation students often rely on their phones for contact with their parents.

The Brawley Elementary School District does not have a cell phone policy available on their website; however, Phil D. Swing Elementary School has a phone policy that states the student性视界传媒檚 cell phone must be off while on campus. The school also requires a form to be signed by parents in order to allow the student to bring their phone to school.

Meanwhile, the employee handbook states that teachers are permitted to use their personal cell phones during breaks, and staff should not receive calls during class hours.

Some California districts, like San Mateo and Chino Valley, already have similar bans in place and report positive results. The statewide measure builds on this trend, but its success will depend on effective implementation.