No Phones, No Problem? Schools Ban Phones to Curb Distractions

The cell phone ban, taking action in one of the largest Los Angeles school districts, LAUSD, will officially be enforced by the Spring 2025 Semester. The first details of what an electronic free school day will look like have been released, with the district stating that they will be using Yondr Pouches in which students will be expected to store all electronic devices, including smartwatches and earphones, during the entirety of the school day. During the first period of the school day, students will be expected to store all devices in the pouch where then the teacher will magnetically lock each individual one, prohibiting students from accessing their devices until the end of the day. 

In defense of this abrupt electronic regulation, LAUSD has presented numerous arguments regarding the detriment of electronic use to adolescents. With research indicating that exposure to social media and electronics could lead to risky behaviors like cyber bullying, self-harm, and exposure to predators. They have also highlighted that access to electronic devices could negatively impact students' academic performance, as their attention spans are rapidly decreasing. Taking into account the research presented, a common question arises among students: What difference does this ban make if students still have access to electronics and social media after school hours?

In light of this, the electronics ban has met significant criticism with parents and students voicing safety concerns, claiming that in a state of emergency parents will not be able to establish communication with their children. “Phones should be immediately accessible if an emergency occurs at school,” said James Ackerman, a junior attending Ulysses S. Grant High School in the San Fernando Valley, “because at that point students need to have instantaneous communication with loved ones as well as friends, for the best information about what is currently going on.” 

LAUSD and staff, although acknowledging their concerns, claim that in the case of an emergency teachers will have access to the device required to open the Yondr Pouches, thus students will be able to access their phones in the given time. Assistant Principal Ms. Marcia Aldana addresses the need for parents to communicate to their children in emergency situations. “The main office phones are always available for students to utilize to establish contact with their parents when necessary.” 

With such varying perspectives considered, the question of whether the electronic ban is an effective measure still remains. Distribution of Yondr Pouches at Grant High School will begin on Monday, March 3, 2025.