Gabrielino High School will begin a trial implementation of its new phone policy on March 13 as part of district efforts to meet the July 1, 2026, state deadline under Assembly Bill 3216.
The San Gabriel Unified School District has proposed board policy BP 5131.8, which has not yet been finalized. Students may not use their phones during the regular school day, as defined by the school’s bell schedule. Students must keep their electronic devices in their backpacks.
Assistant Principal Chanda Strom stated that “phones will be allowed during passing periods and lunch.” Gabrielino will not allow phones, headphones, or smart glasses during class time. The school will conduct the trial implementation during the fourth quarter, beginning March 13. Strom also said that phones will be placed in classroom phone cubbies because personal pouches are “too expensive.”
Exceptions to these rules will be made for emergencies or safety threats, or if required by a licensed physician or mental health professional. Other exceptions include students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, but the accommodation must be outlined in the plan. The final exception applies if a teacher authorizes the device for educational or instructional purposes.
If students break the rules, a teacher or administrator could confiscate the phone or electronic device for the rest of the day. Students could also lose participation in school events, as outlined in the San Gabriel Unified School District’s proposed policy BP 5131.8.
Gabrielino staff are not responsible for electronic devices that are broken, damaged or stolen. Parents may contact Risk Management to file a claim, as stated in the proposed policy.
Gabrielino High School administration conducted a student survey to determine what students would like the phone policy to look like starting March 13, which marks the beginning of the fourth quarter. The district also conducted a poll of students to determine what they want the phone policy to look like at the beginning of the next school year.
Based on feedback from all grade levels in the administration’s poll, most students reported feeling responsible with their phones, staying focused without reminders and agreeing that phones can be a distraction during class time. These responses align with the top three bullet points listed on the Student Friendly Summary Poll. The main reason students support the phone policy is that it reduces distractions and protects learning.
In the administration’s student poll, the majority of students preferred fairness and consistency over strict punishments. Most students wanted to use their phones during passing periods and lunch, while a majority supported placing their phones in pouches or caddies during class time.
