Smart Phone/Smart Device Policy and Procedures

Rialto USD is seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, mental health, and well-being. Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free Schools Act, requires school districts to adopt a policy to limit or prohibit use of smartphones/smart devices by July 1, 2026.

The Act aims to boost mental health, increase academic focus, and reduce bullying by minimizing digital distractions. Additionally, it aims to reduce social media addiction while improving in-person social connections.

There is growing evidence that unrestricted use of smartphones/smart devices by pupils at elementary and secondary schools during the school day interferes with the educational mission of the schools, lowers pupil performance, particularly among low-achieving pupils, promotes cyberbullying, and contributes to an increase in teenage anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Research demonstrates that the use of smartphones/smart devices by pupils during school operating hours can create significant distractions resulting in negative effects on their academic performance and mental health. Additionally, the presence of smartphones/smart devices and related technologies in classrooms may not only detract from pupils’ academic performance, but also contribute to higher rates of academic dishonesty and cyberbullying.

The goal of the policy shall be to promote evidence-based use of smartphone/smart device practices to support pupil learning and well-being.

No. Students are allowed to bring a smartphone/smart device to school, but the policy limits smartphone/smart device use while on campus during instructional time.

School staff will allow students access to personal smartphones/smart devices when it is safe to do so. Our staff is trained to handle various emergency situations. It is imperative in an emergency that students focus on the information and direction being provided by the trained adult, including when it is safe to access and use their smartphone/smart device.

Students on an IEP which utilize tools on a smartphone/smart device will have access to their devices as defined in their IEP.

Many of our schools already have school smartphone/smart device policies in place. Most school policies are in close alignment with our new district policy, but there may be some differences. Your site principal will share more details with parents and students.

• Students are able to receive emails on their district email account from family members and they can check their email account on their school issued Chromebook.
• Families can call the school office and ask for a message to be delivered to the student(s).
• Students can use the office phone to contact a parent or guardian.
• Messages can be sent to students’ smartphones/smart devices which they will receive after school or at lunch (middle and high school students only).

• Students can go to the main office to request to use the office phone to contact a parent or guardian.
• Students can email their parents or guardians from their district accounts on their district-issued Chromebook.

Yes, students can have their smartphones/smart devices on the bus.

Cell phones, mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, gaming devices, tablets, AirPods, earbuds, headphones, and similar personal technology.

• Staff will remind students of expectations.
• Early intervention includes conducting restorative conversations with the student.
• Smartphones/smart devices used in violation of the policy will be confiscated, held per school site procedures, and follow school site protocols for return.
• Ongoing/repeated violations may lead to progressive discipline under District policy.
• Each school site shall develop a clear, consistent enforcement policy for unauthorized smartphone/smart device use, including specific consequences aligned with applicable board policies, Education Code provisions, and other relevant laws to ensure fairness and compliance. Students will be subject to disciplinary guidelines outlined in the school parent handbook.
  • Consequences may include, but are not limited to: confiscation of the device; parent/guardian notification; detention or loss of privileges; prohibition from possessing smartphone/smart device on campus for the remainder of the school year.