Board holds first reading of mobile communication devices policy amid parental concerns

At a first reading on April 16, the Hacienda la Puente Unified School District board examined proposed Board Policy 5131.8 — a CSBA‑recommended approach to the California Phone Free School law (AB 3216) that would limit student use of mobile communication devices during instructional time while allowing exceptions for emergencies and IEP‑required usage.

Dr. Lynn and district staff explained the draft policy is modeled on CSBA language and that an administrative regulation would later define operational procedures for site consistency. Parents and some trustees urged simpler, uniform discipline language (a suggested "three‑strikes" approach was raised by at least one parent), asked for explicit parental consent options, and pressed staff to ensure clear, districtwide procedures rather than ad hoc teacher discretion. Several speakers also highlighted safety reasons for device access and said some families rely on phones for emergency contact. Others emphasized classroom disruption risks, the potential for phones to amplify bullying via social media, and the need for consistent enforcement by teachers and administrators.

Trustees agreed the discussion was constructive and noted that first reading is informational; the policy will return for revision and a second reading along with proposed administrative regulations that will spell out enforcement, IEP accommodations, and review cadence.