December 2, 2024
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
As you may be aware, Assembly Bill (AB) 3216, known as the Phone-Free Schools Act, was signed into law by Governor Newsom in September 2024. The bill requires all school districts to establish policies limiting student smartphone use during the school day by June 2026. SRVUSD is aiming to establish our board policy early, by the start of the 2025-26 school year.
To create a board policy that best supports our students, staff, and families, we are seeking input from all groups. Please take a few minutes to complete the Community Cell Phone Policy survey. Your feedback will help us understand the community’s experiences and perceptions of cell phone use in school. The survey will remain open until Friday, December 13, 2024.
Why this Legislation is Important
AB 3216 aims to improve the learning environment by reducing the effects of smartphone (and smartwatch) use during school hours. Research points to several issues associated with unrestricted access to these devices, including distraction, mental health issues, academic dishonesty, digital safety, and student engagement during class.
- The law requires some critical exceptions to the policy that the district approves, including:
- Emergency situations where safety is at risk.
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Teacher or administrator discretion for educational purposes.
- Health-related needs are determined by a licensed physician.
- IEP accommodations for students with Individualized Education Plans.
Next Steps in Board Policy Development
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December 2-13: Collect data from staff, parents/caregivers, and middle and high school students to ensure the new policy reflects the community’s needs and perspectives.
- December 2024 to January 2025: Gather additional feedback and analyze survey results.
- Spring: Take a draft policy to the Board of Education for review.
- June: Finalize and adopt policy.
We value your perspective as we work to develop a policy that reflects the diverse needs of our entire school community. Please complete the Community Cell Phone Policy survey by December 13, 2024, to share your thoughts.
Thank you for your time and engagement in this important process. If you have any questions, please contact communications@srvusd.net.
