Cell Phones & Electronics

CELL PHONES, ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND HEADPHONES, AIRPODS, EARBUDS

LAUSD Policy 5131.8: Mobile Communication Devices

The Governing Board recognizes the importance of fostering a focused and respectful learning environment. Mobile communication devices, while often useful outside of school, can be a source of disruption, distraction, and misuse when brought into the academic setting. Research and guidance from state and federal education authorities highlights growing concerns that mobile communication devices can interfere with instruction, contribute to social and emotional distress, increase risks to student safety, and impact academic outcomes.

Students are not permitted to use electronic devices including, but not limited to: cell phones, headphones, AirPods and earbuds, smart watches, smart glasses and gaming devices during the regular school day which begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:17 p.m., except during nutrition, passing periods and lunch. “Use” is defined as, but not limited to, having the device on, having the device out on campus, having the device sound off (including vibrating), viewing, typing sending or receiving a text message, checking or entering phone numbers, taking or viewing pictures, listening to music, checking the time, and/or reaching for the device in a backpack or purse. 

All devices must be turned off and out of sight while in class. Headphones/AirPods, earbuds and smart glasses must be taken off before entering the classroom.

Safety is a primary concern and not being able to hear is unsafe, so earbuds may not be worn during instructional time and students may be asked to remove them at other times if it impedes their ability to hear instructions.  No exceptions will be made for students who violate the teachers’ classroom policies.  Families are encouraged to contact their students through the main office for emergencies or during lunch periods for non-emergencies.  Students who are ill, must call home through the health office, not with their cell phones,

Once a device is given to Administration, the following consequences will be applied:

  • 1st Offense – The item will be confiscated from the student, turned over to Administration, and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
  • 2nd Offense – The item will be confiscated from the student, turned over to Administration, and returned to a parent/guardian only.  A detention will be assigned, and warning of a 4-hour SAIA on the next offense.
  • 3rd Offense - The item will be confiscated from the student, turned over to Administration, and returned to a parent/guardian only.  A 4-hour SAIA will be assigned, and warning of a suspension on the next offense.
  • 4th Offense – The item will be confiscated from the student, turned over to Administration, and returned to a parent/guardian only.  The student will be suspended from school for a 1 day on-campus suspension.
  • 5th or more Offenses - Off-campus suspension from school.
  • A parent must always pick up an electronic device that has been used in violation of the Academic Honesty Code.

Any student violating the electronic device policy during a quiz or test will be given an automatic zero (“0”) on the quiz/test in addition to the other consequences above.

Any student refusing to hand over an electronic device to any staff member will be considered in defiance of authority, will receive an SAIA and may be suspended.

The following items are never allowed on campus: portable speakers, boom boxes, personal gaming devices or any device deemed disruptive to the school environment.

Los Alamitos High School is not responsible for the loss or theft of any electronic device. If a student elects to bring an item of value to campus, s/he is responsible for the supervision of his/her personal property.  Students must take special care to make sure their lockers are securely locked.

CAMERA POLICY

Students and any persons not employed by the Los Alamitos Unified School District are not allowed to bring cameras, video, digital, or otherwise, and/or equipment on campus without prior written permission. Students are not allowed to use school/personal video equipment to film or record school activities, classes, or campus activity without prior written permission, with the exception of classes where video equipment is part of the curriculum and they have specific permission from the teacher. Parents wishing to videotape student activities (i.e., pep rallies, assemblies, etc.) during school hours may receive permission when they register in the Main Office as a campus visitor. Videotaping athletic contests and other extra-curricular activities at events open to the public are not affected by this policy.         

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Revised August 2025