We’d like to officially welcome you back to school for the 2024-25 school year and provide you with an update regarding the use of mobile communication devices on our school campuses and our focus on the consistent enforcement of the existing policy to ensure a focused and productive learning environment for all students.

Nearly three years ago, in December 2021, our Board of Education adopted Board Policy 5131.8, which outlined LBUSD’s policy regarding the use of mobile communication devices, including cell phones and smartwatches. Generally, across all our campuses, this policy restricts the use of mobile devices during instructional time, with specific exemptions for emergency situations and special circumstances, as required by the California Education Code. However, in our K-8 schools, we will be enforcing this policy throughout the entire school day, including on district transportation to and from school, to promote cell phone-free campuses. Additionally, we recommend that families consider waiting until high school before providing students with a mobile phone, as this can help support healthy development and reduce distractions during critical learning years. In high school, use will be heavily restricted and limited to essential tasks, such as attendance and registration for tutorial classes. 

We recognize that mobile devices have become deeply embedded in our lives, often serving as essential tools for communication in our busy world, and changing our collective culture will take time. Success in this effort relies on the shared partnership between our school staff and families to create a supportive learning environment for all students. As we work together to cultivate this environment, we know that clear expectations for students will help ensure that mobile devices are used appropriately. Outlined below are the specific expectations for each grade level, and we ask for your support in reinforcing these guidelines at home to help ensure their success.   

ELEMENTARY (PRESCHOOL-GRADE 5)

We highly discourage students from bringing cell phones to campus. However, we understand that there may be circumstances where students need to have a cell phone. In accordance with LBUSD Board Policy, students with connected devices (e.g., smartphones or smartwatches) must store them in their backpacks in silent mode during the school day and while on district transportation.

Discipline Procedures: Staff will implement progressive discipline measures, as outlined in Parent/Student Handbooks, for any violations of these guidelines. This may include confiscating the phone or device for the remainder of the day.

• Top of the World Parent/Student Handbook
• El Morro Elementary Parent/Student Handbook

MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8)

To ensure our students remain focused and engaged during school hours, Thurston Middle School has implemented the following practices: 

Cell Phone Collection: At the beginning of each class, students are required to turn in their cell phones, which are securely stored by the teacher. Phones are returned at the end of the class period to minimize distractions and enhance learning.

Designated Cell Phone Zone: We have a designated area on campus in the event that a student must make a phone call during break or lunch. Please note that this area is reserved for emergency or essential communication only and is monitored by staff to ensure appropriate use of devices in accordance with our policy and the California Education Code, which stipulates that students cannot be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone under specific circumstances, including emergencies or perceived threats of danger.

Confiscation for Policy Violations: Any student found using their cell phone outside of the designated times or areas will have their phone confiscated. Repeated violations may lead to further disciplinary action, as explained in the TMS Student Handbook.

HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12)

In high school, student mobile phone use is restricted during instructional time to minimize distractions and enhance focus. Teachers collect cell phones at the beginning of each class to ensure compliance with this policy.

Essential Phone Use: In these grade levels, students can use their phones to register for and check in to tutorials, which allows them to select the tutorial they need to support their learning. Students may also carry a digital ID on their phones to check in and out of campus, including when they go off-campus for lunch.

Student Voice & Co-Designing Future Practices: LBHS is committed to fostering a positive learning environment that prioritizes student well-being, engagement, and a sense of belonging. Our focus is on using technological devices as tools to support learning, rather than allowing them to become distractions. In line with this commitment, and recognizing the importance of self-determination in helping students take ownership of their learning and decision-making, we will be inviting students to participate in co-designing future solutions to ensure the effective and equitable use of mobile devices on campus.

Helpful Tips for Families to Encourage Healthy Cell Phone Use

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends having a family media use plan to set clear guidelines on when phones should and shouldn’t be used.
  • Consider regularly checking in with your child about what is working well for them with screen and phone use to create open and meaningful conversations around their habits, challenges, and successes in managing their device time.
• Establish that dinner and social times are screen-free times to better promote conversation and socialization.
• Have regular conversations with children about screen use and find opportunities for children to put away their phones and do non-screen activities with friends.
• Consider collaborating with the parents of your children's friends to establish consistent rules on social media and screen use, making it easier for everyone to follow and support these guidelines.
• Initiate screen-free times before bedtime so that children get enough sleep. Parents could consider prohibiting screens in the bedroom and turning off devices and notifications at night. In our 2023 Challenge Success Survey of LBHS respondents, 84% of students reported that they keep cell phones in their bedroom at night when they go to sleep and 70% of students report that they use their phone as their alarm clock. Encourage the use of a traditional alarm clock instead of a phone to reduce screen time and distractions at night.
• Research shows that the biggest predictors of children’s screen use are their parent’s screen use. Model healthy phone use by adopting the same practices you encourage for your child.

Sincerely, 

Jason Viloria, Ed.D. Superintendent Laguna Beach Unified School District

Jason Allemann, Ed.D. Principal Laguna Beach High School

Joseph Vidal Principal Thurston Middle School

Julie Hatchel, Ed.D. Principal El Morro Elementary School

Tom Turner Principal Top of the World Elementary