BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Hetzel Astorga, a parent and volunteer at Lincoln Junior High School, supports the new Phone-Free School Act, which mandates that all school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education establish a policy to limit or ban cellphones by July 1, 2026.
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Astorga believes phones distract students and limit their learning. “He stopped reading books. He used to do art and draw before, but he stopped drawing. He’s lost interest in doing many things that can be done outside and now he doesn’t do anything because he’s always on his phone,” she said, reflecting on her 13-year-old son’s experience.
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The Bakersfield City School District is developing its policy and has sent out a survey to parents for their input, asking if they think phones help or hurt schoolwork.
Some argue that restricting phone access could be dangerous in emergencies, but Astorga suggests students can use the office to contact guardians.
Abigail Gonzalez, another parent, agrees, saying, “They can use it but not inside the school. They can turn off their phone and when they get out of school turn it back on, it’s not a problem.”
FILE – Students use their cellphones as they leave for the day the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts High School in downtown Los Angeles, Aug. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Both parents expressed that they would have waited until high school to give their children phones if they could go back in time.
Parents who have students in one of the schools under the Bakersfield City School District can access the survey on their website.