Cell Phone Policy

About

At the June 9, 2026, Board of Trustees meeting, the Moreland School District officially approved updates to Board Policy 5131.8: Mobile Communication Devices.

In compliance with California’s Assembly Bill (AB 3216), all school districts must adopt a policy by July 1, 2026, that limits or prohibits student smartphone use during the school day. The updated policy is designed to boost classroom engagement, minimize daily distractions, and support overall student well-being. Under the new policy, the use of personal devices during passing periods, recess/breaks, or lunch is strictly prohibited.

Moreland is seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, mental health, and well-being. We have received feedback from staff, families, and students that an updated mobile device policy is needed in schools. Feedback includes concerns that access to smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other electronics creates a barrier to learning and student success.

Off and Away, All Day - Policy

Read the update to our Mobile Communication Devices Board Policy (BP):

BP 5131.8 Mobile Communication Devices

District Policy Implementation at School

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, cell phones and personal electronic devices must be powered off and stored away in a backpack during the school day at all Moreland schools. We strongly discourage students from bringing cell phones or any personal devices to school, as Moreland is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

If a student has a specific health-related condition that necessitates access to a mobile device, the parent/guardian should immediately contact the front office to explore possible alternative protocols.

If a student is seen by a teacher or other staff member with a personal electronic device, the device will be taken away and the following procedures will apply.

Consequences for Use of a Personal Electronic Device

First Violation:	Confiscation and Office Retrieval: The device is collected by a staff member and sent to the front office before the end of the day. The student may collect the device at the end of the day and will receive a verbal warning.
Second Violation:	Confiscation, Office Retrieval, and Parent/Guardian Conference: The device is collected by a staff member and sent to the front office before the end of the day. A parent/guardian conference required (in person, online, or phone call) before the device is returned.
Third Violation:	Confiscation, Office Retrieval, Parent/Guardian Conference, and Loss of Privilege: The device is collected by a staff member and sent to the front office before the end of the day. A parent/guardian meeting is required to sign and agree on a behavior contract that outlines a period of time when the student is prohibited from bringing the device to school.*

**After a third violation, behavior contracts may be modified to extend the loss of privilege and/or discuss other loss of privileges.

Cell Phone Policy FAQ

What is the reason for this change?

In compliance with California’s Assembly Bill (AB) 3216, all school districts must adopt a policy by July 1, 2026, that limits or prohibits student smartphone use during the school day. The updated policy is designed to boost classroom engagement, minimize daily distractions, and support overall student well-being.

What is different this year?

Under the new policy, devices must be “off and away, all day” from the first bell to the final bell. The use of personal devices during passing periods, recess/breaks, or lunch is strictly prohibited. “Off and away” means devices must be powered off and stored inside backpacks, not kept on a student’s body.

What devices are included?

The new policy includes all personal devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and audio accessories including Airpods and earphones.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Students with verified medical necessities may be allowed to use devices for health monitoring as outlined in their medical plan. Students can also use devices as specified in their health, 504 Plan, or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Where can devices be used and when?

Students are expected to put their devices away when the first bell rings and may resume using them after the final bell rings. Devices must be turned off and stored away inside a backpack, not carried on the student’s body.

What are the discipline measures?

First Violation:	Confiscation and Office Retrieval: The device is collected by a staff member and sent to the front office before the end of the day. The student may collect the device at the end of the day and will receive a verbal warning.
Second Violation:	Confiscation, Office Retrieval, and Parent/Guardian Conference: The device is collected by a staff member and sent to the front office before the end of the day. A parent/guardian conference is required (in person, online, or phone call) before the device is returned.
Third Violation:	Confiscation, Office Retrieval, Parent/Guardian Conference, and Loss of Privilege: The device is collected by a staff member and sent to the front office before the end of the day. A parent/guardian meeting is required to sign and agree on a behavior contract that outlines a period of time when the student is prohibited from bringing the device to school.*

*After a third violation, behavior contracts may be modified to extend the loss of privilege and/or discuss other loss of privileges.

Can students be suspended for violating this policy?

Violating the cell phone policy is not, by itself, a suspendable offense. The school district utilizes a tiered system of progressive discipline to support consistent enforcement and ensure students comply with established expectations.

What is the timeline for this new policy?

The new policy goes into effect for the 2026-27 school year, starting on the first day of school.

The Board approved the new policy. What happens next?

The "off and away" Board policy is officially in place for the first day of school. When principals return in August, district leadership will train them on the new policy, and principals will subsequently train their staff.

Additionally, an internal committee will review the policy implementation and the outcomes during the first six weeks of school to make recommendations to the Superintendent regarding any next steps.