CUSD considers cellphone ban

The issue of cellphones on school campuses raises concerns over engagement, cheating and other distractions; CUSD staff to return with more information

The Carlsbad Unified School District Board of Trustees is considering a cellphone ban. The board directed CUSD staff to further research and policies regarding a possible ban during its Jan. 17 meeting. Steve Puterski photo

NORTH COUNTY — There is a growing concern over cellphones in classrooms as schools and school districts grapple with the abundance of technology on campus.

The issue has become so dire in some circles it led to the introduction of the Focus on Learning Act in November 2023 by U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). If passed, the legislation would direct the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct a study on the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools and create a pilot program to award grants to schools wanting an environment free of mobile devices.

During its Jan. 17 meeting, the Carlsbad Unified School District Board of Trustees received a presentation from staff about cellphones and smartwatches, along with current policies addressing those devices.

The trustees didn’t allow staff more than two hours of research time, but instead wanted a brief overview of the issue and whether a new policy is warranted for high school students or revisions to the middle school policy, according to Rob Nye, assistant superintendent of instructional services. However, cellphones are not the only devices causing issues, he said.

“We are also seeing an increase of smartwatches being utilized at elementary schools, which comes with its own unique challenges when it comes to enforcement,” Nye explained. “At the high school level, phones are permitted on campus. Some teachers utilize the ‘parking lot’ or have a hanger system where kids drop their phones in there and then pick them up after class. It isn’t universal.”

Bryan Brockett, the director of secondary education and former principal at Carlsbad High School, said there is mixed research on cellphones in schools. He said there are negative impacts along with concerns about cheating.