POLICIES & RULES » Cell Phone, Smartwatch, and Digital Device Policy

Cell Phone, Smartwatch, and Digital Device Policy

Revised 2/13/25
 
Our school has adopted the following policy covering the use of cell/smartphones and other internet connected devices by students while on campus (during regular school hours and during on-campus after school activities) or field trips.
 
The overarching goals are (i) to promote focus on academic, enrichment, and in-person social connections while at school and (ii) to promote student safety by limiting exposure to unmonitored internet access, decreasing risks posed by unmonitored social media access/posting, and reducing the potential for unconsented photography/videography/audio recording. To support these goals:
  1. During regular school hours, during field trips, and during regular hours of on-campus afterschool activities:

    1. Cell/smartphone use is not permitted. Any such devices, AND any electronic device with phone and/or internet functionality must be turned off and stored in the owner’s backpack and powered off during these times—students are not permitted to keep such devices in their pockets/clothing, in their desks, or otherwise within easy reach. The device should be fully inside of the backpack and not visible.
    2. Other internet-connected devices, such as tablets or smartwatches, cannot be used in any capacity that mimics a cell/smartphone (e.g., for internet access, communication, or recording).
    3. UUnsupervised use of tablets or laptops to work on assignments is only allowed when specifically permitted by a teacher, field trip facilitator, or afterschool program. In such cases, using the device for activities not directly related to the assignment (e.g., general web browsing, watching videos, playing games, etc.) is not permitted. 
    4. Use of tablets or laptops for other purposes is only allowed under the direct permission and supervision of an instructor (i.e., a teacher or an activity facilitator) as part of an established instructional activity. 
  2. Use of devices are allowed under the following limited circumstances and for the following limited purposes:
    1. After a regular school day has ended, a cell/smartphone may be used solely for the purpose of coordinating pickup with a caregiver. To use a cell/smartphone for this purpose, a student must (i) go to the area between the two chicken/animal enclosures, (ii) retrieve their device from their backpack and power it on only when in this area, (iii) power the device off and re-store it when use is complete, and (iv) adhere to any guidance from school personnel regarding pausing or stopping use.
    2. Similarly, when a student’s time at a field trip or on-campus afterschool activity is ending, a cell/smartphone may be used solely for the purpose of coordinating pickup with a caregiver. To use a cell/smartphone for this purpose, a student must (i) ask the field trip facilitator or afterschool instructor for permission to retrieve their device from their backpack and power it on, (ii) use the device in an area designated by their instructor and where the instructor can see the student while using the cell/smartphone, and (iii) adhere to any guidance from the instructor regarding pausing or stopping use.
    3. Cell/smartphones, tablets, laptops, and related devices may be used at other times and in other ways if indicated as a part of an accommodation on a student’s individualized education program or 504 plan (or if otherwise part of guidance from a student’s licensed medical providers). Cell/smartphones, tablets, laptops, and related devices may be used for translation purposes if express permission has been given by the applicable instructor or staff member. Cell/smartphones, tablets, laptops, and related devices may also be used in service of a documented medical need, such as to monitor blood sugar levels.
    4. Pupils are not prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone in the case of an emergency, or in response to a reasonable belief of threat of danger. 
  3. Use of cell/smartphones, other internet-connected devices, or other devices of any kind for photography, videography, or audio recording is not permitted at any time.
  4. Violation of this policy may result in confiscation of a device until a caregiver can pick it up. Future use of such a device may be prohibited for any violation.  Upon discovery of any violation of this policy, the Carpenter staff member or volunteer who discovered the violation will take steps to ensure that the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the violating student are informed of the violation in writing.  Students who violate the policy multiple times shall lose the privilege to use cell/smartphones for at least one week (5 school days), and for as much time as deemed appropriate based upon the discretion of the student’s teacher, the principal, or any assistant principal.   Additional discipline may also result for any breach of applicable school rules, at the discretion of the appropriate instructor, staff, or administrator.   
  5. Notwithstanding any of the above-mentioned potential disciplinary actions, use of cell/smartphones shall not be prohibited in the following situations: 
    1. In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger.
    2. When a teacher or administrator of the school district, county office of education, or charter school grants permission to a pupil to possess or use a smartphone, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator.
    3. When a licensed physician and surgeon determines that the possession or use of a smartphone is necessary for the health or well-being of the pupil.
    4. When the possession or use of a smartphone is required in a pupil’s individualized education program.
 
The Carpenter Community Charter School is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items. Carpenter does not recommend that elementary children have internet access on their cell phones or smart watches. In addition, the administration advises against students having access to social media sites.
 
 
 
LAUSD Resolution that prompted a revision to our policy
 
Resolved, that within 120 days, the Los Angeles Unified School District shall develop and present to the public at a Board Meeting updated cell phone and social media policies to prohibit student use of cell phones and social media platforms district-wide during the entire school day.
 
The policies and their implementation shall be informed by best practices and by input from experts in the field, labor partners, staff, students, and parents; Resolved further, That the updated policies will go into effect no later than the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year and shall include guidelines for implementation that:
  • Are consistent with California and federal legal requirements including exemptions for IEP or Section 504 accommodations and emergencies;
  • Are age appropriate and differentiated by grade level;
  • Delineate an approach for smartphones versus text/voice only phones versus other smart devices like watches;
  • Consider options for cell phone storage including locked pouches and/or cell phone lockers taking the needs of local school communities and stakeholders into account;
  • Consider the use of technological means of restriction to social media platforms or other similar content by internet or cellular service;
  • Provide guidance to school sites on communicating with students, families and employees regarding the policies; and, be it finally Resolved, That the District shall advocate for state and federal legislation–including but not limited to AB 3216–limiting the use of smartphones at school sites as well as other legislation that limits the use of social media platforms, and support litigation, as appropriate, that limits the use of social media platforms that disrupt learning and contribute to declining student mental health.
 
 
State Law as Amended 2024
 
 
Section 48901.7 of the Education Code is amended to read:
48901.7.
  1. The governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school shall, no later than July 1, 2026, develop and adopt, and shall update every five years, a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a school site or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school. The goal of the policy shall be to promote evidence-based use of smartphone practices to support pupil learning and well-being. The development of the policy shall involve significant stakeholder participation in order to ensure that the policies are responsive to the unique needs and desires of pupils, parents, and educators in each community. The policy may also include enforcement mechanisms that limit access to smartphones.
  2. Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a pupil shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone under any of the following circumstances:
    1. In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger.
    2. When a teacher or administrator of the school district, county office of education, or charter school grants permission to a pupil to possess or use a smartphone, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator.
    3. When a licensed physician and surgeon determines that the possession or use of a smartphone is necessary for the health or well-being of the pupil.
    4. When the possession or use of a smartphone is required in a pupil’s individualized education program.
  3. This section does not authorize monitoring, collecting, or otherwise accessing any information related to a pupil’s online activities.