Davis high schools could adopt ‘away for the day’ cellphone policy for next fall
High school students in the Davis Joint Unified School District could be required to keep their cellphones put away throughout the school day next year under a proposed new policy that district staff presented to the school board Thursday.
The “away for the day” policy extends the district’s cellphone ban to lunch and passing periods, when high school students currently are allowed to use their phones.
Trustees heard a presentation on the proposed change Thursday following recommendations from district staff to strengthen restrictions on junior high school students last month.
The current policy allows high school students to use cellphones on campus during lunch and passing periods. Next year, phones would be banned during those times if the policy is approved. The district still must determine how it will define “on campus” and handle confiscations.
Cellphone use policies must be developed by school districts under a 2024 state law. The current policy, which allowed some phone usage in nonclassroom settings, caused confusion among students and teachers, staff reported at a May board meeting. The policy was not consistently enforced, which limited its effectiveness, according to staff. Among high school teachers surveyed, 94% said they favored stronger restrictions.
Next year’s policy will be made clear through measures such as posting signage describing the policy and ensuring consistent expectations and enforcement among teachers, according to a staff report. The district will collect data on infractions to track change over time, Matt Duffy, the district executive director of secondary education, told trustees at Thursday’s school board meeting.
The policy requires students to keep their devices stored in their backpacks, but it does not require them to leave them at home or in a locker. That will allow teachers to use cellphones for academic purposes if needed.
A policy that bans phone use but leaves phones in students’ hands or backpacks would be ineffective, Jared Hippler said during public comment. It would also require more rigorous enforcement from classroom teachers with limited time and resources, he said.
Superintendent Matt Best said enforcing the policy would require an “all hands on deck moment” as teachers will have to enforce the policy rigorously to set the tone for the year.
Board members acknowledged that implementing the policy will require staff training, student outreach and consistent enforcement when classes resume this fall.
“Just like all change, it takes time,” trustee Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald said. “And once they see that we’re serious about it, I think it will be much easier.”
