The Board of Education is set to review a new mobile communications device policy for the school district at its May 14 meeting. After hearing from students and parents and considering recommendations by the district’s Cell Phone Task Force in March, the Board directed PUSD administrators to develop a “phones away except at lunch” policy for PHS students starting in 2025-2026. Piedmont students in TK – eighth grade already operate under what is essentially a bell-to-bell cellphone ban, the district said, so the new policy is aimed primarily at the high schools. This will be a first reading of the proposed policy; final approval is expected to come at a subsequent meeting.
The proposed policy the Board is set to consider:
The Board of Education recognizes that student use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus may be harmful and disruptive to the instructional program. When on campus or when under the supervision of district employees, students may use smartphones and other mobile communication devices only as permitted under this policy.Smartphones and other mobile communication devices shall not be used in any manner that infringes on the privacy rights of any other person.
*Primary and middle school students shall have their personal devices off, or silenced, and stored during the instructional day.
* High School students shall have their phones, smartphones, and smart devices turned off, or silenced, during instructional time unless instructed by a school administrator, or teacher or authorized by the district. High School Students shall be able to use their devices before school, during lunch, and after school.However, a student shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a mobile communication device under any of the following circumstances: (Education Code 48901.5, 48901.7)
In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger;
When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator;
When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student’s health and well-being;
When the possession or use is required by the student’s individualized education program.
The Superintendent or designee may undertake measures or strategies in accordance with law, to limit student access to smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus.
(Education Code 48901.7)A student’s personal electronic device shall not be searched without the consent of the student’s parent/guardian, except pursuant to a lawfully issued warrant, when a school official, in good faith, believes that an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to the student or others requires access to the electronic device information, or when the search is otherwise permitted pursuant to Penal Code 1546.1.
When a student uses a mobile communication device in an unauthorized manner while at a school site or under the supervision and control of a district employee, the student may be disciplined and the district employee may temporarily confiscate the device. The employee shall store the device securely until it is returned to the student or turned over to the principal or designee, as appropriate.
A student may also be subject to discipline, in accordance with law, Board policy, or administrative regulation, for off-campus use of a mobile communication device which poses a threat or danger to the safety of students, staff, or district property or substantially disrupts school activities.
The district will not be responsible or liable for a student’s mobile communication device which is brought on campus or to a school activity and is lost, stolen, or damaged.
The Board shall review and update this policy at least once every five years according to law, including revision to this Board Policy on or before June 30, 2026.