Pali officials established a new phone policy on Sept. 1, banning students from using cellphones on campus during school hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The change follows the enactment of Assembly Bill 3216, often referred to as the Phone-Free School Act, which requires public schools to implement policies banning or restricting phone use on campus by July 1, 2026.
In a press release about their plans for phone restrictions, the Los Angeles Unified School District, which owns Pali’s original campus and authorizes it as an independent charter school, said the goal of policies being rolled out across the district is to keep students focused and improve their mental health.
At Pali South, there is a wide spectrum of opinions about the policy change. Sophomore Shana Rabbany expressed frustration, believing that there were better ways the ban could have been enforced.
“I totally understand that they don’t want us to have our phones during class since they can distract us from learning, but I don’t think it’s necessary to not be able to use phones during our breaks,” Rabbany said. “We’re working hard all day and are so tired from doing school work, so we should be allowed to take a break and go on our phones.”
Meanwhile, Senior Ava Loos recognizes both sides of the issue, but said that Pali should have waited before implementing it.
“I think [the ban is] important because phones are a real distraction inside the classroom but I also think that it shouldn’t be instilled until we go back to our original campus,” Loos said.
Michael Friedman, one of Pali’s deans, is among those who supported the enforcement of the ban.
“I do think inherently [the new policy is] going to be beneficial,” Friedman said. “It is better if students actually find means to communicate orally with one another, as opposed to through any sort of electronic device at lunch. I think it’s just a healthier thing, and it helps out with social skills, especially for our youth.”
Friedman also explained that the restrictions may help with bullying.
“Unfortunately, phones are a very largely used tool when it comes to bullying, so for that reason alone, I would think that the restriction helps out a lot,” Friedman said.
Business elective teacher Bradley Kolavo said fewer students are checking their phones in his classroom since the ban was implemented.
“Cell phones are a tool that clearly help us in our daily lives, but I think also some of us become attached to them.” Kolavo said. “I think separation can be good.”
