The Palo Alto Unified School District has postponed its discussion on adopting a new district-wide cell phone policy until 2028.

The discussion concerning a phone policy was sparked by California Assembly Bill 3216, which requires all school districts to create and regularly update policies that limit or prohibit student smartphone use on campus and during all school activities. The bill aims to reduce classroom distractions and address issues such as cyberbullying and mental health crises, according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

At the Oct. 14 board meeting, PAUSD administration presented recommendations from the Board Policy Review Committee, which reviewed how phone use is currently handled across grade levels. The committee supported maintaining the existing bell-to-bell ban at elementary and middle schools, where phone restrictions have been in place previously.

During the public forum, parent Emma Van Kirk supported removing phones to reduce anxiety and improve focus. However, some students expressed a different view.

“Phones during passing period are important for communication and productive work,” Gunn High School freshman Ellie Hou said. “We should learn responsibility, not have our phones taken away.”

Gunn High School and Palo Alto High School already prohibit phone use during instructional time, but students are currently allowed to use their devices during passing periods, brunch and lunch. The committee asked the board to decide whether to extend a bell-to-bell ban to high schools or continue to allow limited use during non-learning time.

Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Staff Trent Bahadursingh said the committee wanted board guidance to ensure any policy is “clear, enforceable and equitable across campuses.”

Instead of making a final decision this year, the board deferred the discussion until 2028, when Education Code 48901.7 requires all districts to review and update their policies.

Until then, existing campus-specific rules will remain in place.