Oakland schools announce their plan to prohibit access to wireless devices with exceptions for emergencies, special needs
As we approach the start of the 2026-27 school year on Monday, Aug. 10, there is a significant change coming to all schools about student cell phone use. Based on a new state law, every school day is now a Cell Phone Free Day.
That means during class, between classes, and during lunch, students will NOT be allowed to use their cell phones except in limited circumstances which are described below.
Because of the state law, the Board of Education voted in June to make all day, every day, in every school completely cell-phone free for all students. For purposes of this policy, “cell phone” means a smartphone or similar wireless communication device capable of calling, texting or accessing the internet; it does not include a device that a student needs for a documented medical condition or under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, which are addressed below.
There are two ways that schools will be able to put the phone-free policy into effect. They are single lock boxes in classrooms into which all students will be required to place their cell phones at the start of the day. This will primarily be at the elementary level.
At the secondary level, there will be what are called Yondr Pouches, into which students will place their phones at the start of the day. With their phones secure, the students will get to carry around the pouches, with no ability to access them, until the end of the day when they will be unlocked.
All pouches will be unlocked at dismissal, giving students access to their phones after school is over.
Consistent with state law, a student may access a stored phone only
- (1) In a genuine health or safety emergency, as determined by a teacher or school administrator, or
- (2) when a teacher, administrator, or the student’s physician authorizes it
A student who believes they need emergency access should tell a teacher or the front office. In situations in which families need to immediately contact their student, calling the school is the recommended option.
Family members may also choose to email their student; however, this is recommended only for routine, non-urgent contact. During a school safety emergency, the district’s separate emergency communication and reunification procedures, not this phone policy, will govern how families are updated and reunited with students.
The district’s communication is done through ParentSquare. Through Aeries, all families automatically have a ParentSquare account. It is a good idea to ensure you are registered to receive notifications from ParentSquare.
The basis for the state law and our Board Policy (BP 5131.8) is a need to eliminate distractions from learning in school. We know that when students are playing with their phones, they are not paying attention in class. Likewise, phones along with social media can cause not only distractions but also conflict between students.
This new policy is intended to help keep those conflicts to a minimum.
Phone use can also slow the growth of social skills in some students, which is partly why phone use will not be allowed during lunch and longer breaks so students can more easily engage with each other in person.
Likewise, as we adults well know, smart phone use can be addictive. This new policy will help students better control their phone use and prevent them from excessively engaging online.
We recognize some students may need continued access to a phone or similar device during the school day because of a documented medical need or because it is required under an IEP or Section 504 Plan. Families seeking an accommodation should contact their school’s front office or their student’s IEP/504 case manager, before the first day of school.
The district will provide schools the resources they will need to implement and enforce the cell phone-free school days. Please inform your student about what is coming regarding the elimination of student cell-phone use during the school day.
We deeply appreciate the support from our families and all staff to ensure that this new policy is in place and effective starting on the first day of school, Aug. 10.
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