Today’s teens are growing up in a fast-paced, tech-saturated world that can fuel anxiety and overwhelm—especially in middle and high school. National experts like the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association have raised concerns about the impact of social media on youth. Locally, schools are addressing these concerns with varied technology policies.
Local School Policies on Cell Phones & Tech
Since Assembly Bill 272 passed in 2020, California school districts can set limits on student cell phone use. For the 2024–25 school year, Salinas Union High School District banned phones at its middle schools. Other districts vary:
- Santa Cruz High: Phones and earbuds must be put away during class unless a teacher allows them.
- Pacific Grove Community High: Students sign tech agreements, and policy violations result in loss of computer access.
- Carmel Unified: Allows teacher discretion; repeated cell phone misuse leads to confiscation.
- Soquel High: Categorizes electronic use as a “minor offense,” with various consequences.
- MPUSD: Has a detailed tech policy emphasizing responsible, educational use and banning cyberbullying, hacking, and misuse of network resources.
Some districts provide devices: All Monterey students receive Chromebooks, and Carmel allows students to check out tech like cameras and calculators.
Technology in Practice
At Pacific Grove High, the cross-country team uses the Remind app to coordinate events. Coach John Gabrik appreciates the tool but acknowledges its downsides: students struggle to keep up with constant messages and app downloads.
Parent Glenn Woodson supports MPUSD’s classroom phone ban and praises tools like Google Classroom. He warns against in-class earbud use, citing cheating risks—but supports responsible AI education.
Delaying the Smartphone
Ohana’s Community Health and Prevention (CHP) team urges parents to delay smartphone purchases when possible, suggesting alternatives like Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, or Troomi. Collaborating with other families can help teens feel less isolated when limits are in place.
Parental Controls & Screen-Time Tips
Smartphones are often unavoidable, but parents can still create boundaries:
- Use built-in parental controls for screen time limits and content blocking.
- Keep phones out of bedrooms to protect sleep.
- Encourage screen-free zones and breaks during natural pauses like the end of a show or game.
Digital wellness educator Chad Dispenza emphasizes consistent rules and positive routines. “No screens an hour before bed. Your kid’s brain will thank you,” he says.
Teens Know It’s Too Much
In working with local high schoolers, Dispenza found that teens don’t want more screen time—they want control. One student wrote: “Phones rob me of real-world experiences. I could literally do what I’m watching.”
Modeling Healthy Behavior
Parents’ screen habits matter. The Ohana team recommends creating screen-free routines, using Common Sense Media for content reviews, and incorporating family meals, outdoor time, and quality in-person connections.
If you’re reconsidering tech choices, the Ohana team suggests trying a “screen fast” and encourages attending their free quarterly “Social Media and Teen Mental Health” workshop. It’s never too late to reset.
AI Adds Complexity
AI tools and filters add new challenges. Dispenza warns that algorithm-driven feeds and deepfakes require media literacy. Teens must learn to think critically and distinguish real from artificial content—skills schools and families must now actively teach.
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