Long Beach Schools to Limit Cell Phones Districtwide

Beginning Monday, January 26, 2026, Long Beach public schools will start enforcing a new districtwide policy limiting student cell phone use.

Under the rules, students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade must keep phones and personal devices powered off and stored away for the entire school day, including before and after school programs. High school students will be required to keep phones off and put away during class time.

Phones will also not be allowed in restrooms, locker rooms, or on field trips at any grade level.

There are exceptions for medical needs, emergencies, and students with approved accommodations such as IEP or 504 plans.

District leaders say the goal is to reduce classroom distractions and improve focus. The policy also aligns with a new California state law that requires schools to limit phone use by July 1, 2026.

The new rules will now roll out across all Long Beach Unified campuses starting this week.