Oxnard School District recognizes the role of technology in learning and communication. However, excessive or inappropriate use of personal cell phones and smart devices interferes with instruction, social development, and student well-being. This policy is designed to ensure compliance with AB 3216 by prioritizing academic focus, minimizing distractions, and protecting student safety, privacy, and mental health.

Students may possess personal devices such as smartphones, smart watches, wearable technology, but they must be turned off or on silent mode and stored in backpacks.

Use of personal devices is allowed only when:

1. Required for a health-related need or accommodation as determined by a licensed physician or surgeon.
2. Authorized by school staff during an emergency.
3. Use of a smart device is required in a pupil’s individualized education program (IEP).
4. Approved by a school official to contact a parent/guardian under special circumstances.

In an effort to keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the district enforces the following:

• Students may possess cell phones, but they must be turned off or silenced when entering a school campus.
• Cell phones and all smart devices shall be kept in a student’s backpack.
• Cell phones are not allowed to be used anywhere on a school campus during the school day, including in classrooms, the library, or common areas and during lunch, recess/nutrition, or transition times.
• If a student needs to contact their parents/guardians during the school day, they are to come up to the office to use the phone.
• Students shall not use a cell phone or other device with camera, video or voice recording function in a way or under circumstances which infringe the privacy rights of other students or school staff.
• Students may not wear earbuds or AirPods during the school day unless permitted through an IEP or 504 plan.

Violations of this policy shall be subject to progressive discipline.

If a student violates the cell phone and mobile device policy, the following steps will be taken:

1. 1

   First offense

   The employee will confiscate the device and send it to the office. Student can pick it up at the end of the day. Parent will be notified of the violation and incident will be documented.

2. 2

   Second offense

   The employee will confiscate the device and contact the parent/guardian to pick up the phone from the school office at the end of the day. Confiscated devices shall be stored by school district employees in a secure manner.

3. 3

   On subsequent offenses

   Students may be subject to other disciplinary measures when their use of an electronic signaling device violates school rules. A student’s right to carry such devices may be revoked except where the device is determined to be essential to the health of the student.

Students are responsible for personal devices they bring to school. The district shall not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of any such device brought onto school property, except that it shall be the responsibility of the school to ensure the safekeeping of any confiscated devices.

Notwithstanding any other school policies on searches in general, school district employees may not search any personal cell phone or other personal device without the express authorized consent of the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian.

Students and their parents/guardians shall be notified of the above policy at the beginning of every school year.

I have read and reviewed the policy with my student.

Parent/guardian signature on the Cell Phone Policy form indicates receipt and acknowledgment of the policy.

PDF Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy & Acknowledgment Form