July 15, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

LAUSD Board Approves Cell Phone Ban for District Schools

Resolution Aims to Be Effective by January 2025

The LAUSD board voted 5-2 on Tuesday to pass a resolution authored by Board Member Nick Melvoin in favor of a cell phone ban in Los Angeles School District schools. 

According to a press release from Melvoin’s office, the resolution is meant to create truly phone-free school days across the District. The press release states that studies show that smartphones and social media distract kids from learning, erode their mental health, and stifle in-person social connections. 

Two board members voted against the motion, raising concerns about the practicality of enforcement in such a large district. Board member Scott Schmerelson, who voted no, expressed apprehension that the responsibility of monitoring cell phone use could overwhelm school principals, detracting from their primary duties. He added that school employees could be held personally responsible for cell phones that are confiscated. 

Another board member, Dr. Joseph McKenna, raised the issue of students’ civil rights to cell phones during school hours and said it was possible that legal challenges could come from the policy in the future. 

According to the press release, “L.A. Unified is the largest school district to implement a smartphone ban during the school day to support student’s academic success and well-being.”

The resolution, which was co-sponsored by Board President Jackie Goldberg and Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, calls on the District to create a comprehensive implementation policy to take effect in January 2025. 

Melvoin stated in the emailed statement, “Kids no longer have the opportunity to just be kids. I’m hoping this resolution will help students not only focus in class but also give them a chance to interact and engage more with each other—and just be kids.”  

This resolution will extend the district’s current rules, which already prohibit cell phone use during class and restrict social media usage to educational purposes, from a resolution already passed in 2011. 

Individual schools will have the flexibility to determine how to enforce the ban, such as requiring students to store their phones in lockers or designated pouches throughout the day. The board resolution mandates that staff develop and present detailed implementation policies to the public within 120 days for final approval by the board.

in News
Related Posts

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Miami Developer Seeks to Convert Century City Apartment Tower into Condos: REPORT

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

If approved, the property at 10000 Santa Monica Blvd., known as Ten Thousand and built in 2017, would mark the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Holmby Hills Parcel Once Owned by Pioneering Film Director Lists for $25.5M

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The lot is situated across from the Playboy Mansion and just moments from The Spelling Manor A 1.66-acre parcel of...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Billy Wilder Theater to Screen Housing Struggle Short Films with Q&A

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The program includes works by community organizers and filmmakers addressing housing struggles from LA to D.C. A free film screening...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...