El Monte Union High School District is preparing a local policy aligned with the newly enacted Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), a California law requiring stricter limits on student cell phone use during school hours. To help shape these forthcoming rules, the district is gathering input from students, parents, and staff through a series of surveys and public listening sessions.

The district’s response reflects both compliance with the state mandate and an effort to develop a community-informed policy. Emphasizing the impact of mobile devices on classroom focus and student well-being, the district aims to implement guidelines that reduce distractions while considering practical communication needs.

District Seeks Input on Phone Policy Through April 17

To create a policy grounded in local perspectives, El Monte Union has launched surveys targeted to different stakeholder groups. Students, parents, and staff are all encouraged to participate before the April 17 deadline. District officials say this feedback will be instrumental in crafting a balanced and effective approach to student phone use.

Beyond surveys, the district will host a series of spring listening sessions. These meetings will offer a forum for deeper conversations, allowing participants to share specific concerns, ideas, and expectations directly with district leaders. Dates and locations for these sessions will be posted on the district’s website and distributed via school communications.

District Phone Policy Balancing Safety and Focus in Schools

Parents have shared a range of reactions to the initiative. Some support the move, saying fewer phone-related distractions will likely improve focus and engagement in classrooms. Others, though, have raised concerns about access to communication, especially during emergencies.

District officials acknowledge these concerns and emphasize that the new El Monte phone policy will take safety and access into account. The goal is to promote an optimal learning environment without compromising students’ ability to reach their families when needed.

El Monte Union Seeks Policy by End of School Year

Following the feedback phase, district leaders will draft the new policy and plan to announce it before the end of the current school year. This timeline gives families and staff a full summer to understand the policy and prepare for its rollout in the 2025–2026 academic year.

The broader context behind the law includes research linking excessive phone use to decreased concentration and adverse mental health effects among youth. These findings have prompted schools nationwide to reevaluate their digital policies, with AB 3216 representing California’s latest effort in that direction.

District Urges Community Participation

El Monte Union’s transparent, inclusive approach reflects its commitment to responsible policy-making. The district encourages all community members to take part by completing the surveys and attending the listening sessions.

By involving students, families, and staff in the process, El Monte Union High School District seeks input on phone policy that not only meets state requirements but also serves the community’s educational and safety needs.

More information on survey access and session dates is available on the district’s official website.