Cell Phone and Social Media Ban

Los Angeles Unified School District recently joined the growing list of school districts around the country to ban the use of cell phones and social media during school hours. 

While I generally disagree with policies emerging from the LAUSD School Board, on this issue the Board is entirely correct.

Teachers overwhelmingly support the ban and use of cell phones and social media during school hours, and for good reason: it only serves as a nuisance in the classroom and a distraction for students in a district that continues to lag in academic performance. Teachers and the LAUSD School Board are convinced this ban will enhance and enrich the learning environment, and our children will benefit from having to engage a fellow student in direct conversation.

As well-intended and necessary as this ban is, it cannot be successful without the support of parents. We as LAUSD parents need to listen; we are being advised by the professionals we entrust to educate our children.

Cell phones and social media can be useful education tools when they enhance teaching, but not when they interrupt it. When technology is used as a teaching tool, parents should be able to rely on teachers to manage and monitor student participation. But when it’s not, teachers need help from parents in backing up the policy.

For example, I have a teenage LAUSD high school student living in my home. He has a cell phone and is allowed access to social media platforms and applications that can enhance his life experience. But I am his Legal Guardian, and at no time does he look upon me as his friend. We have established our rules for using his cell phone and accessing social media. He completed his second year with a 3.5 grade point average. He will comply with the policy or face the consequences. He has learned it is much easier to follow the rules, which in this case is not over-the-top or even imposing. 

Again, I am a full supporter of LAUSD’s policy. But I speak for many LAUSD parents in wondering why the Board elected to push the effective date to January 2025; they should have made it effective immediately. As parents, we should demand clarification. For this policy to be successful, implementation must be done strategically and I offer the following solutions. 

First, all parents must cooperate with the decision. In our household, my LAUSD student will be instructed to turn his phone off once the morning bell rings and leave it off the remainder of the school day beginning August 12, the first day of class (right?). I will set expectations as to what is required and let him know what’s at stake if he fails to follow the rules. I’m blessed, he’s a really good kid and I do not anticipate having any going forward, but it’s still important to be clear about expectations. 

Second, the Board and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho must communicate effectively with parents and schools over the next few months to ensure success implementation, and the Board must be aggressive in ensuring compliance among district schools. 

Third, the Board and Superintendent should ban social media giants from accessing all educational platforms until invited to serve a unique academic purpose. 

It has been a long time since a policy in our district has found such widespread public support. We have argued for too long. It’s time to unify around a common-sense, student-centered cell phone policy.