LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., – The hallway buzzes with the sounds of notifications and chatter. Heads are bent down towards glowing screens, fingers scrolling and tapping without pause. In the classroom, the flicker of a hidden phone light under the desk has become an everyday occurrence. Smartphones have become an addictive part of people’s daily lives and routines. A new phone policy is now in place to shift our attention away from the screens.

In a move that reflects California law, Los Alamitos High School is enforcing a new phone policy district-wide. This policy focuses on bringing students’ minds away from screens and back into the classroom. The board adopted policy 5131.8, which applies to all students, with specific consideration for high school.

The new rule at LAHS restricts the use of mobile devices during instructional hours. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, headphones, AirPods and earbuds, smart watches, smart glasses and gaming devices. Students will still be able to use their phones during lunch, nutrition and passing periods. The goal is to bring the focus back to academics and limit mental strain caused by excessive screen time.

For many students at LAHS, the phone policy does not strike them as a huge shock. Many teachers had already implemented phone caddies or required students to have their phones in their bags for many years prior to the enforcement of the new board policy.

“I feel the phone policy is basically the same as last year, but now it is actually being enforced instead of being loosely followed,” said Scarlet Davis, a senior at LAHS.

However, not all students are on board with the new policy. Some have expressed frustration over the restrictions, feeling that they limit their ability to stay connected with family and friends. Others note that they miss being able to listen to music when working in class.

“I feel the policy is a little excessive. I miss being able to be on my phone when I finish my homework or just be able to listen to music to help stay focused,” said an anonymous LAHS junior.

With the new phone policy comes new rules, and failure to meet these expectations will result in consequences.

The phone policy applied at LAHS aligns with broader mental health initiatives and the signing of Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act.

“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene. This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school,” said California governor Gavin Newsom on California Gavin Newsom.

This policy aims to enhance focus in the classroom and encourage healthier screen time habits among students. As students adapt to these changes, it’s important to remember to keep phones put away during class.