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LAUSD unveils first glimpse of cellphone ban policy, delayed to February
The Los Angeles Unified School District's policy banning student cell phone and social media use during the school day will take effect in February 2025.
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Robert Nickelsberg
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Getty Images North America
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There's a newer version of this story. Here's our guide on everything you need to know.
Los Angeles Unified students will be banned from using their cellphones and social media during the school day starting in February 2025.
LAUSD officials will present an update on the policy at a meeting Tuesday.
Implementation will vary from campus to campus, but at a minimum:
- Students may not use cellphones, smartwatches, and earbuds on campus during school hours.
- Devices must be turned off and stored.
- Students can use devices before and after school and must have access to their phones in case of an emergency.
- There are exceptions, including for students with disabilities, translation and health-based needs.
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The LAUSD Board voted to expand the district’s existing technology restrictions in June citing rising concerns about the impact of the technologies on youth mental health, bullying and distraction from classroom instruction.
California lawmakers voted in August to require all districts to ban student cellphone use by July 2026.
Weigh in on the cellphone ban
Watch Tuesday’s board meeting
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: 333 S. Beaudry Los Angeles, CA 90017 or stream the meeting online in Spanish and English.
- Parking: The district validates parking for the lot at 1159 Huntley Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90026, but once it fills up, you’ll have to find a spot elsewhere.
- What else is on the agenda: An update on what the district will advocate for in the next state legislative session.
- Speak up: Registration for public comment opens Monday at 10 a.m. Up to 15 people may sign up to speak for two minutes each. Speakers can comment by phone or in person and are generally limited to two minutes.
If you can’t register for public comment you can also email all board members at boardmembers@lausd.net, or leave a voicemail at (213) 443-4472.
Find Your LAUSD Board Member
LAUSD board members can amplify concerns from parents, students, and educators. Find your representative below.
District 1 map, includes Mid City, parts of South LA
Board Member George McKenna
Email: george.mckenna@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6382
District 2 map, includes Downtown, East LA
Board Member Rocío Rivas
Email: rocio.rivas@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6020
District 3 map, includes West San Fernando Valley, North Hollywood
Board Member Scott Schmerelson
Email: scott.schmerelson@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-8333
District 4 map, includes West Hollywood, some beach cities
Board Member Nick Melvoin
Email: nick.melvoin@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6387
District 5 map, includes parts of Northeast and Southwest LA
Board President Jackie Goldberg
Email: jackie.goldberg@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-5555
District 6 map, includes East San Fernando Valley
Board Member Kelly Gonez
Email: kelly.gonez@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6388
District 7 map, includes South LA, and parts of the South Bay
Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin
Email: tanya.franklin@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-6385
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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