New district policy bans use of phones, other electronics for all students

By Kimberly B.

As of February 18, 2025, LAUSD students are required to lock their devices into Yondr pouches upon arrival and unlock them only when leaving campus at the end of the day. This new policy is to control distractions caused by smartphones. Some staff members are already seeing the benefits of the phone ban, even with its many challenges. 

According to Ethan Barragan, College & Career Staff at school, the policy was designed to help eliminate distractions, particularly for students who struggle to stay off their phones during class. He shared that “I think the Yondr pouches might help in the short term, but we’ll need to see feedback from the students before we can judge their full effectiveness.”

The process of using the pouches is quite simple. Students must show their phone is either off or on airplane mode before sealed inside a Yondr pouch, which can only be unlocked by a staff member at the end of the day. Ms. Maria, a CAT’S campus aide, added, “We will have tables set up where students will show me their phone in airplane mode or turned off, along with any other connected devices like earphones or smartwatches. At the end of the day, they will unlock it and keep the pouch for the next day. If they forget their pouch, their parents will have to come pick up the phone.”

Despite the setup, Ms. Maria foresees some challenges, including the chances of lines during morning arrival. Upon arrival campus aide is ready with six magnets to ensure a smooth process but Ms. Maria believes students will resist. However, “If students follow the rules, it will move quickly”, she noted. 

On the other hand, not everyone is on board with the new phone policy. While Barragan has mixed feelings, expressing concern of communication with students about important subjects like FAFSA or college applications, he remains hopeful.

“I’m a little apprehensive but I am eager to see what happens. And, for me and my role with college and career as well as financial aid applications I know it’ll be difficult to now have to call students’ parents or get that information from a  student”, he explained.

However, Ms. Maria believes most students will eventually adjust. She says students have already voiced their concerns, especially since phones are essential to their daily lives. Ms. Maria said “ there will be consequences.The consequences will be that we have to call your parents to pick up the phone. If, still resisting, then they have to take the student home.”

Despite the reperecussions, there are signs that the policy is having a positive impact. According to Antonio Roque, Assistant Principal, teachers and staff are seeing more engaged students. 

“Even here in the main office, our service workers are doing more work. As supposed to just being on their phone. During lunch students are interacting a little more”, he said. Barragan also shares similar view points, noting that with fewer distractions in the classroom, students become more attentive and focused. 

Roque added that while it’s too early to see academic results, the change is already noticeable. He sees a positive shift  in student behavior and a change in distractions, in hopes this will lead to academic progress. 

Overall, challenges remain and some students have been caught sneaking their phones in class or trying to bypass the policy.  Barragan remains optimistic but acknowledges that the policy may not solve every issue.

As the school community adjusts to the new policy, the biggest hope is that the Yondr pouches will reduce distractions, encourage face to face interactions, and eventually, improve focus and academic performance. 

However, as with any major change, time will tell whether the policy will be successful in the long run. Whether the policy will remain in place or evolve, its impact on reducing distractions and enhancing student engagement is something that will continue to be closely observed. 

For now, students are encouraged  to “go with the flow”, as Barragan put it, and trust the system as it continues to unfold.