BCSD considers new cell phone policy for students

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — In a world glued to screens, phones are part of every student's life — and Bakersfield City School District could roll out a game-changing cell phone policy.

The Bakersfield City School District is considering joining a growing national trend — creating a new policy to limit student cell phone use on campus.

BCSD Board Presentation says, "We have to create a policy because of Assembly Bill 3216, which requires us to involve significant stakeholder participation and development of a policy to limit students' smartphone use."

AB 3216 requires all school districts to create a cell phone policy by July 1, 2026. The goal is to set guidelines that support learning and student well-being. The policy can limit phone use during school hours, with exceptions for emerg