Mobile Device Policy: Away for the Day

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, DJUSD will implement an updated mobile device policy designed to create more focused learning environments, support student well-being and reduce classroom distractions.

Under the "Away for the Day" policy, students are expected to turn off their personal mobile devices (cellphones, smart watches, earpods/earbuds, etc.) and store them away for the entire school day. This consistent districtwide approach is intended to minimize distractions, encourage face-to-face interactions and allow students to fully engage in learning and school activities while still ensuring access to communication when the school day ends. Please refer to your school’s Student Handbook for more information on school implementation.

Background
This change follows the passage of California's Phone-Free Schools Act in 2024, which requires school districts to adopt policies limiting student use of mobile devices during the school day. Over the past year, the DJUSD Board of Education engaged in a thoughtful and collaborative process that included multiple public discussions, feedback from students, families, teachers and administrators and careful consideration of current research on the impact of mobile devices and social media on learning and adolescent development.

Can students bring a phone/mobile device to campus?
Yes, students may bring a phone to campus. Once students step onto campus, the phone/mobile device must be off and out of sight for the entirety of the academic school day.

Does this policy include other wearable technology?
Yes, earpods/earphones, smartwatches and smart glasses are included in the policy and are not allowed during the school day. Earpods/earphones will be allowed in designated spaces for academic needs. Smartwatches are allowed so long as they are not connected to an active or powered-on cell phone. Smartwatches are never allowed in test-taking environments.

How will students be alerted in the event of an emergency?
Under the leadership of the School Safety Team, which includes members of the school and district leadership, security, facilities and communications departments, emergency communication and activation plans have been carefully developed.

These plans rely on established communication systems between staff, including interclassroom phones/radios. All students should follow the direction of their teacher/staff during an emergency. Secondary students may receive alerts via Canvas, email and school website pop-ups. Externally, emails, automated phone calls and texts are shared with families, in addition to social media and website posts.

Is there a place on campus where a student can use a cell phone?
In unique and/or extenuating circumstances, exceptions to our mobile device Away for the Day policy can be made. In these instances, students should check in with their school front office/administrators for approval and direction.

My child relies on a cell phone for medical monitoring. Will there be an exception in these cases?
Yes. Students with documented medical needs that require the use of a personal device - such as glucose monitoring, cardiac rhythm, seizure recording or other medical monitoring - will be granted permission to use their mobile device during the school day. These situations are handled thoughtfully and confidentially on a case‑by‑case basis in coordination with your student’s principal and nursing team.

Approved medical‑use devices are intended solely to support the student’s health and safety and will be accommodated in a way that minimizes disruption while ensuring the student’s medical needs are fully met. Families with questions or with documentation to provide are encouraged to contact their student’s school directly so that appropriate accommodations can be made.

What are the consequences when students violate the policy?
Students will face escalating disciplinary consequences. The details will be outlined in each school’s 2026-27 Parent Student Handbook.

Can a cell phone be on the student’s person or must it be in a backpack, car or locker?
During the school day, students must turn their cell phone off and keep them in a backpack, vehicle or locker. It may not be on their person during the school day. Students who choose to leave their device in a vehicle are encouraged to keep it out of sight in a locked car.

When will the formal policy be shared?
Using our regular process for updating school policy, we will share the policy language over the summer when we publish the 2026-27 Parent-Student Handbook.

What informed the school’s decision to move to a cell phone-free school day?
The decision to move to a device-free school day was informed by a combination of State requirements, local input and the District’s commitment to creating learning environments that support student engagement and well-being.

Following the passage of California's Phone-Free Schools Act in October 2024, which requires school districts to adopt policies limiting student use of mobile devices, the DJUSD Board of Education began a comprehensive review of the District's existing mobile device policy. Throughout the 2025-26 school year, the Board held multiple public discussions to examine how mobile device use affects teaching, learning, student wellness and school culture.

As part of this process, District staff gathered feedback from certificated and administrative staff, students, and families about current practices and potential policy changes. The Board also considered research on adolescent development, the impact of social media and constant connectivity, and the increasing challenges that personal devices present in classrooms. Board members, educators and community members consistently expressed concerns about the distractions caused by mobile devices, the addictive nature of social media and the importance of creating learning environments where students can fully engage with their teachers, classmates and school community.

At its May 7, 2026 meeting, the Board approved an "Away for the Day" policy for elementary and junior high schools and directed staff to develop an implementation plan for an ‘Away for the Day’ policy at the high school level. The implementation planning process has included collaboration with high school administrators, teachers and staff to develop practical procedures that support consistent implementation while minimizing additional responsibilities for school personnel.

The resulting policy reflects both the requirements of state law and the District's belief that reducing distractions during the school day will strengthen student learning, improve social connections and create a more focused and supportive educational environment.

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