Share Your Input on HBCSD Smartphone Policy Development

We invite you to share your input on Huntington Beach City School District’s (HBCSD) smartphone device policies.

Assembly Bill (AB) 3216, signed into law by Governor Newsom, will take effect in 2026. This legislation requires all school districts to establish a formal policy limiting or prohibiting smartphone use by students at school. These policies must be updated every five years with meaningful input from educational partners—including students, parents, and staff—to reflect community needs.

Current Practices in HBCSD Schools

All HBCSD elementary and middle schools require students to keep phones off during the entire school day, including instructional and non-instructional time. Smartwatches are allowed but must remain in school mode*. HBCSD schools have proactively limited smartphone use to align more closely with the new legislative requirements set to take effect in 2026. For more information on each school's guidelines, please refer to the school handbooks on their websites.

*School mode on a smartwatch limits functionality during school hours by disabling messaging and apps while allowing basic features like checking the time. This keeps the smartwatch a useful tool without becoming a distraction.

Important Considerations:

• Schools cannot monitor students' online activities on personal devices.

• Under Education Code 48901.5 and 48901.7, certain exceptions for limiting student use of smartphones will continue to apply under the new legislation:

  • Emergency Situations: In the case of an emergency or in response to a perceived threat of danger.

  • Teacher or Administrator Approval: A student may use a device with permission from a teacher or administrator, subject to any reasonable limitations.

  • Health Needs: When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student's health and well-being.

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP): Device use is allowed if required by the student's IEP.

For additional details about AB 3216, please review the smartphone infographic and complete our survey by January 31, 2025.

We ask for your feedback to ensure that the District’s policies align with these requirements and our current needs.

Take the Survey Now: Survey on Smartphone Policy Development 

Thank you for your partnership in creating a supportive learning environment for all students.