LAUSD unveils first glimpse of cellphone ban policy, delayed to February

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.

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:

Location:

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 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: Call: 213-241-6382

District 2 map , includes Downtown, East LA Board Member Rocío Rivas Email: Call: 213-241-6020

District 3 map , includes West San Fernando Valley, North Hollywood Board Member Scott Schmerelson Email: Call: (213) 241-8333

District 4 map , includes West Hollywood, some beach cities Board Member Nick Melvoin Email: Call: 213-241-6387

District 5 map , includes parts of Northeast and Southwest LA Board President Jackie Goldberg Email: Call: (213) 241-5555

District 6 map , includes East San Fernando Valley Board Member Kelly Gonez Email: Call: 213-241-6388

District 7 map , includes South LA, and parts of the South Bay Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin Email: Call: (213) 241-6385