VCUSD Reinforces No-Phone Policy
Promoting student focus, safety, and well-being.

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, students may not use cell phones or similar devices (including smartwatches and earbuds) from the first bell to the final dismissal bell. Phones must remain off and away during instructional time, passing periods, recess, and lunch, unless specifically authorized for an approved reason.

VCUSD limits classroom distractions to boost student engagement, mental health, and well-being. Staff, families, and students have told us smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds often hinder learning and student success. Constant access to social media, text messaging, and cameras creates distractions and sometimes leads to online harassment and bullying when students share photos or videos taken at school.

 Yes. Exceptions will be made for:

• Students with documented medical needs (e.g., diabetes monitoring)
• IEP or 504 accommodations that require device access
• Emergency use as directed by an administrator or teacher

Our schools are staffed throughout the day with people here to help. Families can call the front office and request a note to be delivered to the student. Offices at our schools have phones, and students can use an office phone to contact a parent.

Yes. When arriving at school, students should put their cell phones in Do Not Disturb mode before putting them away. If a student turns off their cell phone before putting it away, then parents will not be able to use Find My Phone to track their student's location.

Families should call the school office. If urgent, staff will immediately connect your child with you.

In a school emergency, school staff will allow students access to personal devices at the appropriate time and when they are safe. Our emergency protocols prioritize safe, timely communication between school staff and law enforcement. Phones can cause confusion and spread misinformation during emergencies. Our staff is trained to handle several different emergency events. In an emergency, students must focus on the information and direction provided by the trained adult, including when it is safe to access/use their personal devices.

Not having access to social media and texting might keep students safer during an emergency. This keeps students from messaging locations, creating vibration and chime sounds that give away locations, or other information that could compromise safety. Students will be able to focus more clearly on instructions and directions from school administrators, trained adults, and first responders during emergencies. It also allows the district to communicate accurate information to families regarding a situation, reunification, and other announcements.

Staff will be trained to respond consistently and respectfully. The goal is to build a positive learning culture, not punish.

Students are watching staff as Phone and Device-Free Schools is implemented and staff need to model the behavior we expect from our students. Staff are not required to put their cell phones in a pouch. However, publicly texting, accessing social media, and walking around with phones in ones back pockets is not the example we want to set for our students. We strongly encourage our staff to put their cell phones away during class time and not access their cell phones when students are present.

How to be a Phone and Device-Free Schools role model:

• In spaces where we restrict cell phone use for students the same norms will apply to staff.
• Staff cell phones, smartwatches, Airpods/earbuds are not out or visible in classrooms, hallways, and other student areas when students are present.
• Office spaces are places where devices are permitted for use. 
• Staff should not place their cell phones in the back pocket of their pants and move around their class or school. Cell phones should be out of sight.

Phones must be kept in backpacks, lockers, or designated storage. Schools may use tools such as secure pouches, but the basic rule is “off and away.”

These devices fall under the same restriction and must be turned off and stored during the instructional day.

Students may use their phones once the dismissal bell rings. The policy applies only during the instructional day.

 Yes. Accommodations will be documented and honored for any student with a medical, IEP, or 504 plan requiring phone access.

This policy supports our Strategic Plan goals:

• Safe and Supportive Schools by reducing bullying, distractions, and online conflict;
• Academic Excellence by reclaiming instructional time and increasing focus;
• Community Trust by being transparent and proactive in supporting student well-being.

Research shows that reducing cell phone use during school increases engagement, decreases cyberbullying, and improves academic outcomes.
 

Yes. In 2024, California enacted Assembly Bill 3216, which authorizes districts to restrict or ban cell phone use during the school day to support student learning, safety, and mental health. VCUSD is among the first districts to implement a comprehensive policy in alignment with this new law.

Staff are expected to model responsible device use. While staff may use phones for professional purposes, personal use during instructional time should be minimized.

Principals and district leaders will provide training, clear guidelines, and parent communication tools. Staff will not be expected to manage enforcement alone—schools will have consistent systems and administrative support.

VCUSD will monitor:

• Reductions in classroom disruptions
• Improvements in attendance and engagement
• Fewer reported conflicts related to social media
• Feedback from staff, students, and families