Silicon Valley schools implement cell phone restrictions By Lorraine Gabber

San Jose schools are tightening cell phone regulations in class to reduce screen time distractions and boost academic performance and student well-being. This move comes in response to State Superintendent Tony Thurmond's call for districts to limit cell phone use due to its detrimental effects on mental health and learning.

Renata Sanchez, president of the San Jose Teachers Association, supports these efforts. “Effective classroom management requires teachers to have control over their cell phone policies,” Sanchez told San José Spotlight. “Any policy should reflect teachers’ preferences and involve them in the decision-making process.”

San Jose Unified School District permits individual schools to set their own cell phone rules. At Lincoln High School, some teachers are using caddies for students to store their phones.

Campbell Union High School District has also updated its policy. Cell phones must be off or silenced and put away during class, except for students with a doctor’s note. Violations lead to escalating consequences: a verbal warning, a notice home, and then confiscation with parent contact. Continued infractions result in disciplinary referrals and meetings with parents.

“Our revised policy is based on research and staff feedback, aiming to reduce distractions and improve instruction quality,” CUHSD Superintendent Robert Bravo said. “We want to create a better learning environment for all students.”

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found nearly half of U.S. teens are online almost constantly, with 72% feeling peaceful when disconnected, yet 44% feel anxious without their phones.

East Side Union High School District Superintendent Glenn Vander Zee acknowledged the utility of cell phones but noted their potential for distraction. “Phones are only to be used with specific teacher instruction,” Vander Zee said. “We’re also working with elementary districts to align our policies.”

James Lick High School implemented cell phone guidelines in January, providing a central location for phone storage in each classroom. Teacher Michael Gatenby noted, “A clear, consistent policy has improved focus significantly. I still collect phones during class but return them afterward.”

However, not all educators agree on the necessity of strict cell phone policies. Some, like James Lick teacher Mark Adams, believe students should manage their own phone use.

Student Joshua, who requested anonymity, thinks the guidelines may benefit some but not all students. “I can manage myself,” he said. “For others, it might be a problem.”

Adams pointed out the challenge of monitoring cell phone use. “No teacher wants to spend class time on this,” he said. “Students often give less effort when distracted by their phones, impacting their overall performance.”