The new phone act prohibits the use of cell phones from the beginning of school to the end, causing many mixed emotions from students and parents.
By: Jazlynn Borda Delgado
Starting the new school year, Governor Gavin Newsom officially signed a bill on September 23rd, 2024, called AB 3216, to limit phone use during school hours, called the Phone Free-Schools Act. This new district-wide policy is designed to eliminate distractions and enhance academic focus and classroom performance.
In an effort to decrease classroom distractions and improve classroom participation, school officials have decided to implement a new cell-phone policy against students for the use of phones throughout the school day.
This district-wide policy is mainly aimed at supporting youth mental health, including their focus and academics. With this new act, students must have their phones turned off and put away during school hours.
Jonathan Haidt, a writer who wrote the book The Anxious Generation, said, “Girls in America and many other countries, suddenly become very anxious, depressed, and self-harming.” Due to the use of cell phones.
Dr. Brandon Gridiron, the principal of Redwood High School, said that he talked to the staff and teachers about enforcing the policy as they believe it should be, just as long as the students kept their phones away.
How do parents feel about this policy?
Some parents say that the policy can be unfair to students with health problems, or that this policy is unlikely for child safety.
Maribel Delgado, a mother of 5, was asked for her opinion about the policy and if she’s comfortable with it. She said, “Honestly, I’m not comfortable knowing that any of my children will not have access to their phones. What if there’s a dangerous emergency and I need to be alerted immediately?”
This new act is raising concerns for parents about emergencies that need to be alerted through cell phones. But what concerns do students have?
Laida Vasquez, a Green Acres student, ‘30, said, “When I heard about the new phone ban, I was kind of mad and disappointed because phones shouldn’t be the biggest issue right now.”
Middle school students are overwhelmed with disappointment from the cell-phone ban.
So how do Redwood students feel about this cell phone ban?
Natalie Sanchez, ’28, said, “There should be exceptions to use your phone to contact parents or guardians in case something bad happens at school and you can’t reach the office phone”.
High school students are concerned about emergencies that could potentially happen without being able to contact their loved ones.
But what does a high school teacher think about the cell phone ban?
Mrs. Ramirez, an ELA high school teacher at Redwood, said. “I think the cell phone ban is a good rule to have. I’ve had it in my class ever since I started here at Redwood. Phones are a distraction, so it definitely makes it easier.”
As the debate continues over the Phone-Free Schools Act, it highlights the ongoing struggle between keeping academic focus and the safety concerns. With many mixed reactions from students, parents, and educators, the implementation of this policy could reshape the educational environment in significant ways.
As this year unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this policy benefits from reduced distractions or potential risks of communications and safety.
jazlynn borda delgado
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