Palm Springs Unified Weighs Cell Phone Policy Amid Statewide Debate

As California schools grapple with how to manage cell phone use on campus, Palm Springs Unified School District is seeking community input to shape its policy. While about half of Los Angeles schools have banned phones entirely, others rely on the honor system.

Mark Arnold, the district’s Executive Director of Student Learning, says Palm Springs Unified recently distributed a survey to students, parents, teachers, and staff to gather opinions on cell phone usage. “We want kids focused during instruction, but we’re also exploring how to harness technology for learning,” Arnold explained.

Opinions vary on the best approach. Some suggest designated phone breaks between classes, while others call for strict classroom bans to avoid distractions. Arnold emphasized that the district is weighing all options, aiming for a balanced solution.

A cell phone task force is scheduled to meet through the end of the school year. If a consensus is reached, the new policy could be in place before the next academic year. State law allows districts until July 1, 2026, to adopt regulations if no earlier agreement is reached.