Gov. Newsom is talking about banning cell phones in schools. What’s the policy in Modesto?
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Modesto students scrolling through TikTok during class may come to an end if proposed statewide legislation is passed.
In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would support legislation to limit smartphone use in California classrooms. In a statement, he said he wants to work with the state Legislature to restrict phone use during the school day.
His announcement came on the same day the Los Angeles Unified School District board voted to ban smartphone use during school hours. Its policy will take effect in January.
With the potential for statewide legislation, we look at Modesto City Schools’ current policy on smartphone use.
In October 2023, the school board said students may use cell phones, smart watches, pagers, and other devices on campus during noninstructional times.
The policy urges phones to be turned off; however, it does not have any requirement that devices be taken away or stored at the beginning of class.
The phone policy does state that students found using a phone inappropriately may be disciplined and an employee has the right to confiscate the device.
“The logic behind restricting phone use is to create an optimal learning environment free from distractions,” said Modesto City Schools spokeswoman Linda Mumma Solorio. “Phones and other electronic devices can divert students’ attention from classroom instruction, leading to a decrease in focus and engagement.”
Solorio said teachers receive training at the beginning of each school year on the policy details and handling different student situations. Parents are provided with the cell phone policy in writing through the Parent Information Handbook and the summer mailer sent to all families.
She said although district schools all follow the same guidelines, each may have its own enforcement strategies. At Johansen High School, for example, posters in every classroom outline the consequence of unpermitted phone use.
“Teachers give one verbal warning before asking students to place their phones in a designated storage unit,” she said. “If students refuse, teachers may call a campus supervisor to collect the phone until the end of the school day.”
According to a study by Pew Research in June, around 72% of high school teachers say students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in classrooms, compared to 33% of middle school teachers and 6% of elementary school teachers.
The same article found 30% of teachers surveyed whose schools or districts have cell phone policies say they are very or somewhat difficult to enforce.
Modesto City Schools believes its phone policy is effective but plans to continue to monitor this situation in case any adjustments need to be made in the future, Solorio said.
“Consistent communication with students and families has significantly reduced cellphone use during class time at Johansen High School, for example,” she said.
When asked about Newsom’s potential phone ban in school, the district said they could not comment on pending legislation.
