BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 A new policy that proposes to ban smartphones for Bakersfield City School District students is set to be heard for the first time on Tuesday, according to the Board of Education meeting agenda.<\/p>\n
Assembly Bill 3216, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September of 2024, requires California school districts to adopt a policy that limits or bans students from using smartphones during school days by July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n
The Board discussed community members\u2019 feedback<\/a> regarding a potential smartphone policy during its meeting Nov. 18.<\/p>\n New Bakersfield City School District policy restricting smartphone use for students in the works <\/a><\/p>\n Most parents and school district staff were supportive of a partial or complete ban on phones, expressing concern about phone use harming students\u2019 learning and social skills, while many students said they believed phone use didn\u2019t affect their education.<\/p>\n The proposed policy starts by acknowledging the harmful effects of smartphone and social media use that can affect students\u2019 wellbeing and academic performance.<\/p>\n This can lead to poorer grades and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, according to the draft.<\/p>\n \u201cTo support a positive school climate and positive classroom learning environments in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instruction, the Board elects to prohibit the use the smartphones and other student mobile communication devices by students while at school or when under the supervision of District employees,\u201d the policy says.<\/p>\n While students can carry smartphones or other mobile devices for communication, they would still be banned from showing or using the device at school or under a BCSD employee\u2019s supervision, according to the policy.<\/p>\n Parents who give their child a smartphone would be required to sign an agreement with BCSD. If the parent doesn\u2019t sign the agreement, their child\u2019s device will be confiscated, the draft says.<\/p>\n This agreement lists several expectations, according to the draft.<\/p>\n Vista High School may demolish existing buildings for modernization project <\/a><\/p>\n Some of these rules include keeping the phone shut off and out of sight during the day, allowing smart watches only if they have certain features turned off, having the students be responsible for any lost or damaged devices rather than the school district and confiscating a student\u2019s phone if they go against policy.<\/p>\n The first time a device is taken from a student, it will be stored in the school office and returned at the end of the school day with a reminder on smartphone use expectations, according to the draft.<\/p>\n If a student breaks the smartphone policy four or more times, their device will be confiscated and returned to the parent, and the student will have to check the device into the school office at the start of each school day, the draft says.<\/p>\n The draft also includes exceptions to the smartphone ban.<\/p>\n Students are allowed to use a smartphone at school in emergency situations or a perceived threat of danger.<\/p>\n In that case, the student can contact their parent or guardian to let them know of the student\u2019s current status or have someone pick them up.<\/p>\n