Glendale Unified School District board of education approved a new mobile communications policy at its meeting on Nov. 18.

The policy had been in the works for months as Board members discussed revisions and received feedback from the Glendale Teachers’ Association, students and community members. The newest iteration of the policy is included at the end of the meeting agenda report, accessible on the GUSD website. 

The policy has different requirements for communication devices based on grade level, as requested by community feedback.

At the elementary and middle school levels, the  policy permits limited use of mobile communications devices, including smartphones, smart watches and other wearable communications devices in four scenarios: during emergencies, when a teacher or administrator grants the student permission to use the device, when the possession of the device is required for a student’s individualized education plan (IEP) or when a  licensed physician determines the possession or use of the device is medically necessary, such as with mobile phone apps that track insulin levels. Otherwise, devices are to remain shut off in backpacks or in school-provided classroom cellphone holders.  

In high school, teachers will work with students and parents/guardians to develop school-wide policies that work for each school site. 

Smartphones are not to be used to infringe on the privacy rights of another person or to engage in illegal activity. The GUSD superintendent can undertake actions, within the law, to limit student access to smartphones and other mobile communication devices on all school sites. 

“The responsible use of mobile communication devices should be taught in a developmentally appropriate manner based on current research, best practices, state and federal guidance, and District policies and regulations,” reads the revised report.