Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call on Thursday to restrict student use of smartphones on campuses is already being answered by Manteca Unified schools.

That said, a pilot program at Manteca High will see students placing their cellphone devices in lockers when in a classroom.

The existing policy Manteca Unified  already hits on the points that Newsom stressed in his letter sent to the state’s 1,000 plus district superintendents.

The policy reads “devices shall be turned off in class, except when being used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose as determined by the teacher or other district employee, and at any time directed by a district employee.”

“Any device with camera, video, or voice recording function shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other persons. Electronic signaling and communication devices may be used for grades K-12 by before and after school and grades 9-12 during brunch and lunch.”

As such, the district noted in a release “Manteca Unified remains dedicated to providing meaningful instruction in learning environments free from the distractions and pressures associated with excessive smartphone use. As such, our commitment to enforcing existing Board Policy 5131 prohibits student use of electronic devices during class time.”

Earlier this summer, Newsom was pressuring educational organizations to push for an outright ban of student smartphones on school campuses.

District Superintendent Clark Burke has previously noted that while it can be a challenge at times for teachers to enforce smartphone rules, getting students to understand there is a proper place and time for smartphone use is part of the learning process.

Understanding and respecting rules regarding smartphone use, as an example, is a soft skill that people need to understand when they enter the workforce.

This policy is communicated annually with families through MUSD’s student and parent handbook and reinforced in school rules.

The district believes by upholding these standards, it ensures that classrooms remain focused on teaching and learning which is the bottom line Newsom finally settled on when he followed through Thursday on previous remarks he might favor an outright ban.

“We are reinforcing our existing policy and remain committed to engaging teaching and learning in the classroom,” Burke said. “Families are critical to student success and in partnering with our teachers to prioritize learning.”

The district added there are rare instances when students should keep their cell phones on them due to medical issues. Those concerns are addressed on an individual basis relying on advice from a “licensed physician or surgeon if the smartphone is essential to a student’s health and the use of which is linked to purposes related to the student’s health.”

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com

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