Carlsbad Unified enacts phone restriction policy

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Cell phone bans in classrooms are starting to pop up in more public school systems.

In San Diego County, the Carlsbad Unified School District implemented a cell phone ban at the start of their school year Wednesday.

“At the elementary and middle school levels, no mobile communication device during the school day from the time they get to school until the time they leave. At the high school level, it's no devices being used during instructional time, so they are able to use them during breaks and lunch but not during class time," Carlsbad Unified School District Superintendent Ben Churchill said.

The district went back to class Wednesday, and Churchill said teachers are already noticing a big difference with the new policy in place. He said the discretion of how the policy will be implemented is left up to the principals and teachers at each school site, but the general rules above must be followed.

“Some teachers have implemented little cubby systems where they can drop them off at the door. Others are saying put the in your backpack I don’t want to see it, and so far it's been awesome," he said.

It's nothing new for the 350 students at Urban Discovery Academy, a public charter school near downtown San Diego.

“You come in in the morning, put your phone in the pouch," Ronnie Dyste, principal of Urban Discovery Academy showed FOX 5/KUSI Thursday. Dyste implemented the cell phone ban and locking pouches last school year.

Students get to keep the locked pouches during the day, and they are unlocked as they leave school. He said if there is an emergency, or a student needs to call a parent, they are able to unlock it throughout the day, but they encourage parents to call the school's front desk, to not disrupt class time.

At a concert about three years ago where Dyste had to place his cell phone in a locking pouch, he said he had the realization a similar process could be the answer to the issues facing his school. “This light went on in my head and I was like oh my goodness this is what we need in schools," he said.

He said in their first year of implementing the policy, they have seen an increase in student productivity, and a decrease in behavior issues by an estimated 80%.

“During lunch, people started to talk to one another, like they did when I was a kid, so it really had an impact on culture," Dyste said. "They are learning how to navigate that conflict in a way that requires you to look someone in the eye, rather than texting them and saying things that you're going to regret later, so it completely eliminates the possibility for that to happen while they’re in the building.”

Churchill and Dyste both said parents were on board with the idea right away, but students were a little hesitant.

If students at the Carlsbad Unified School District violate the new policy, below is an example of how it would be handled, but school sites may have more stringent protocols.

First Offense: Student warning

Second Offense: Student warning, teacher contact to parent recommended, teacher/staff may take device

Third Offense: Teacher/staff takes device to be returned to student at the end of day/class period, teachers contact parent, referral to office for documentation in student information system

Fourth Offense: Device delivered by teacher/staff to office for pick up after school, contact parent, referral to office for documentation in student information system

Additional information from the Carlsbad School District on its new policy can be found on the district's website.

The nation's second largest school district, Los Angeles Unified, implemented a ban at the beginning of this school year. It caught the attention of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who issued a letter to school districts Aug. 13:

"As we strive to create the best learning environment for all students this new academic year, I write today to raise an urgent issue that affects their well-being: the pervasive use of smartphones in schools," the letter reads. "Excessive smartphone use among youth is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major problem. Common Sense Media found that 97% of students use their phones during the school day for a median of 43 minutes.

"Leveraging the tools of this law, I urge every school district to act now to restrict smartphone use on campus as we begin the new academic year. The evidence is clear: reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions," the letter continued.

The San Diego Unified School District said in an email to FOX 5/KUSI Thursday, "In response to growing concerns about cell phone use in schools, and in anticipation of new state guidance, San Diego Unified looks forward to engaging with students, families, and educators on this issue."

The email from the communications staff went on to say the district is "preparing to launch a new initiative this school year to raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive social media use among children and teens, under a resolution recently approved by the Board of Education. The district will issue regular notifications to students, families and educators, offering resources and information about responsible social media practices, strategies to help curb screen time, and research on the effects of social media use among children and teens."

The Poway Unified School District confirmed they are not considering a cell phone usage ban.