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Smart Device Policy

Policy Rationale

Research highlights the negative impacts of smart devices and social media on young people, linking ubiquitous phone use since 2010 to higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and self-harm (Haidt). 

At Thornhill, our goal is to provide a safe, joyful, and academically rigorous environment free from the distractions and stressors of smart devices. Our policy aligns with state law and OUSD Board Policy (BP 5131.8). 

This policy cannot succeed without parental support. Please discuss this with your students and consider signing the pledge to wait until the end of eighth grade. 

Campus Device Expectations

We are a device-free campus. We strongly recommend that all cell phones, tablets, smart/Gizmo watches, and headphones remain at home.

  • Storage: If a student brings a device, it must remain turned off and inside a backpack for the entire time they are on campus.
  • Campus Areas & Times: "On campus" includes classrooms, bathrooms, courtyards, the nature area, and the front entryway. Devices may not be used during recess, lunch, class breaks, or immediately after dismissal. Students may use devices only after stepping off campus grounds.
  • Safety & Communication: We cannot guarantee the safety of devices left in backpacks. For emergencies or early pick-ups, families should contact the main office directly. Students may always use the office phone to call home.

Supporting a Device-Free Environment

Our goal is to help students build healthy habits and stay fully engaged in their learning and relationships. Following our orientation period at the start of the school year, staff will gently remind students to keep all devices out of sight. If a device is visible (including in pockets or peeking out of bags), staff will secure it in the office until the end of the day to help maintain a focused campus. If a student needs extra help following this expectation, the school administration will step in to partner with them.

Devices stored in the main office are kept safe and recorded to track support over time:

  • 1st Reminder: The student collects their device from the main office at the end of the school day.
  • 2nd Reminder: A parent/guardian collects the device from the main office at the end of the day so we can partner on supporting the student.
  • 3rd Level of Support: Parent pick-up required, plus a 1-week daily check-in plan where the student checks their device in at the office upon arrival to help build consistency.
  • 4th Level of Support: Parent pick-up required, plus a full-year daily check-in plan at the main office to ensure long-term success and focus during the school day.

Thank you for partnering with us to create the best safety and learning conditions for students!