Petaluma school district considers universal phone ban, but students not convinced it will work
PETALUMA, Calif. (KGO) -- In the North Bay, school officials in Petaluma are considering a hot-button topic this week: whether to ban cellphone use at every district campus, from kindergarten to 12th grade. The proposal by Petaluma City Schools is all in the name of a distraction-free learning environment. Some students aren't sure it will work.
In the future, students in Petaluma City Schools may not be able to text, call or check social media on their cell phones until after school. The district is considering making all campuses 'phone free' during school hours.
"The phones are out all the time; they're listening to music in math class, they're checking their messages," said parent Rachel Thomas.
Thomas is one of many Petaluma parents who have given input on a district-wide phone-free policy.
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Many believe cell phones in the classroom are distracting and not conducive to a positive learning environment.
"If you toured a high school you were going to send your kids to and it was in the middle of a county fair, over here some jugglers, over there some loud music, sure kids would be able to concentrate, but others would be sucked into the spectacle," Thomas said. "That's what phones are like when we let our kids carry a circus in their pocket."
The policy comes amid a new state mandate, giving school districts until July 2026 to restrict or prohibit mobile devices during school.
"It's really our effort to provide a focused learning environment, removing distractions students feel constantly," said Esmeralda Sanchez Moseley, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
Currently, Petaluma elementary and middle schools have some restrictions on the use of cell phones. High schools allow them during breaks and lunch periods. Many have called for stricter control from kindergarten through 12th grade, possibly requiring students to put their cell phones in locked pouches during the day.
"We're bringing a board policy so there are clear expectations for all of our teachers, all staff," Superintendent Matthew Harris said. "Lots of issues we deal with stem from cell phone use, social media, it comes back into school as cyberbullying or larger issues."
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Some high school students aren't convinced a universal ban will work.
"I feel like if it was a law, it would be really loose because it's Petaluma; no one's telling you anything," said student Lillian D'arcy.
"I think it would help with focus, but a lot of my friends need music to focus cause they have ADHD and stuff," said student Nuala Manousos.
There would be exceptions for students to use their phones, such as emergencies.
"Parents aren't going to lose a lot in the deal; there's a lot to gain," said Thomas.
The board takes up the issue on Tuesday. If approved, the phone-free policy would take effect during the 2026-2027 school year.
