By Samantha Puentes, Writer | January 24, 2025
Student using their phone with an X over the phone. Photo courtesy of Samantha Puentes (author).
In the beginning of this current school year, our district, LAUSD, announced a phone free policy where students will have their phones locked away in a pouch.
Originally, district personnel proposed that the new policy would start at the beginning of Spring Semester, 2025. However, the start date was pushed back. It was announced that the phone free policy would begin on February 18th.
Under the policy, students are required to keep their phones, watches, and other like devices locked in pouches.
Additionally, there has been discussion of a phone-free policy contract issued by the state, which will require students to keep their phones in the pouch for the entire day. This would mean that students would not have access to their phones during lunch or nutrition periods.
If a phone pouch is damaged or lost, students would have to pay a fine of $30. If the student who committed the infraction refuses to pay, the administration may keep your devices until the end of the day.
The phone ban has sparked mixed reactions among students and staff at Carson High School.
Favour James, a senior at CHS, expressed frustration, “I don’t like it, I hate it. Why are they taking our phones? I just hate it, I feel like it's good, but at the same time, not good.”
Some are in favor of other options like hanging, numbered pouches in a classroom.
“Honestly, I feel like it’s not that necessary,” said CHS freshman Jocelyn Puentes. “[and instead] teachers can just use [a hanging] phone pouch, if you really think about it.”
Others believe that implementing a phone free day is an excellent idea.
“It’s much needed. Phones are a distraction,” said CHS Dean of Students, Mr. Bravo. “ If you count the number of times per day or hour, you’ll be surprised how many times [students use them].”
Still, there are concerns about emergencies.
“What if there’s an emergency and [you] have to go to a freaking magnet to unlock your phone,” said Puentes.
In emergencies, students would need to rely on alternatives, such as school devices or staff assistance, to contact their families.
However, Mr. Bravo has made it clear that there will be exceptions for those who require the use of technology.
“Well, you know, obviously there’s gonna have to be some exceptions in place. I think the ones that we are taking more seriously and considering are more medical related,” said Mr. Bravo. “For example, kids that have diabetes, and they have to check their blood sugar level with their phone…that would be one...”
With February approaching, CHS administrators are finalizing plans for implementing the phone-free policy. Though many students remain skeptical about the practicality and fairness of the ban, staff hopes it will create a more focused learning environment.
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