Student cell phone use at Arroyo Seco Junior High School will soon be limited to only after-school hours, according to a recent announcement.

A new personal device policy, set to go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year, would restrict personal device usage on campus at Arroyo Seco Junior High School, requiring students to keep their cell phones in their bags during school hours.

The personal device policy would apply to cell phones, smart watches, gaming devices, tablets and “any device that can act like a cell phone with text and online features or that connects to the internet or cellular service,” according to Arroyo Seco officials.

“The William S. Hart Union High School District acknowledges the importance of communication between students and parents, particularly when it is essential or in emergency situations. Further, the district recognizes that instructional time is precious and school time must be protected from unnecessary disruptions. There is also growing evidence that increased screen time and social media use is linked to teenage depression and anxiety,” read the announcement.

The policy would apply for as long as students are on school property in the morning, until students exit the school gate after the 2:25 p.m. dismissal. Teachers may allow students to access their cell phones for a specific function during instruction, otherwise, personal devices must be off and put away in students’ backpacks, according to the policy.

Parents would be able to contact their children during school hours through the main office, and students who might require personal devices for monitoring medical diagnoses may receive permission for appropriate use. Students are also able to check their emails multiple times during the day via school-provided Chrome books, which offers another way for parents to check in with their children.

In addition, administrators pointed out that cell phones are not “banned” from campus, nor will children be unable to access their personal devices in the case of an emergency, as they will be in the backpack that remains with students throughout the day.

However, concerns have arisen with some parents, pointing out that banning personal device usage during free time seems extreme. In response, Arroyo Seco officials note that the decision to restrict all personal device usage is aimed at protecting the privacy and social-emotional health of all students.

“While part of the rationale includes limiting activities that result in negative and inappropriate behavior, nothing in this policy is intended as a punishment. We want students focused on learning. Part of that learning includes social interactions. Student electronic use impedes social development and academic progress.

Violators will be punished using a progressive discipline plan, wherein first-time offenders will have their personal devices taken and available for pick up from the office after 2:25 p.m., the end of the usual day.

Second-time offenses will result in after-school device pickup by the student and parental notification.

Subsequent violations will result in a parent or designated adult having to retrieve the confiscated item, as well as detentions of increasing severity and a research assignment in order to retrieve the item.

Arroyo Seco officials acknowledged that the policy would likely be a constant process to enforce, however, with parental support, they believed it would be an ultimately successful endeavor.

“Most students follow the rules when clear expectations and consistent accountability are present. If 100 percent enforcement was the criteria for having any policy we would have a rule-free school. Despite our best efforts, students still vape, cut class, cheat, and break other school rules that are in place to protect students. However, this is a very small portion of our student body. School policies that are supported and reinforced by parents have the best chance at being successfully implemented,” officials said.

It is unclear if this same policy will be implemented at other Junior High Schools in the William S. Hart. Union High School District.

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