YUHSD to implement new cellphone policy

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) is implementing a new cellphone policy starting this school year

The new policy mandates students to put cell phones away and keep devices out of sight during times of instruction with exceptions, including medical emergencies and devices being necessary to educational experiences.

By getting rid of the distraction, they are ensuring students are getting the most out of their educational experience.

"They wanna cut out the student who has the teacher in front, giving them information about the subject at hand, and they're not listening at all because they're on their device," YUHSD Chief Communications Officer Eric Patten said.

Patten also added that the policy has made an anecdotally positive impact on students learning and teachers have not had struggles passing along the new policy to this point.

"I haven't heard of significant struggles," he said. "My team, and the communications team, as well as district administrators, were out throughout the district on the first day and notice a positive effect in a lot of ways."

Local parents have been outspoken on the new policy, as well. One local, Alex Carrillo, sees both the pros and cons to it.

"The kids should be allowed to use their phones to do research, but if they're gonna be on it to be on TikTok or social media, then absolutely not," Carrillo said.

Now, both students and teachers have one less obstacle in their way towards learning.