San Diego Unified to ban cellphones during school day starting Aug. 11

San Diego Unified’s phone-free school day policy will begin Aug. 11. (Graphic courtesy of SDUSD) The San Diego Unified School District board Tuesday approved a phone-free school day policy for the 2025-26 school year, with implementation beginning Aug. 11. The directive applies to all students in grades TK–12, requiring phones to be turned off and out of sight, such as in backpacks, during regular school hours. SDUSD is an early adopter of California’s Phone-Free School Act, the state law requiring all public school districts to adopt policies by July 1, 2026. The guidelines aim to limit classroom interruptions, foster peer connections and promote healthy technology boundaries to support students’ academic success and mental well-being, according to the district. “Limiting the use of phones during the school day creates focused learning environments where students can fully engage with their education and build meaningful connections with their peers,” Superintendent Fabiola Bagula said. The policy prohibits phone use during regular school hours as defined by each school’s bell schedule. Use is allowed before and after school, with high schools also permitting it before the first bell, during lunch and passing periods. Exceptions are allowed for students with specific learning or health needs, including: Emergencies or safety threat Medical necessity (doctor or mental health provider verified) Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan accommodation Instructional use explicitly authorized by educators Phone-free school day policy details, frequently asked questions and resources for families are available at sandiegounified.org/PhoneFreePolicy.