A Glimpse into the Future: Wilson High School’s Cell Phone Policy Sets the Stage for District-Wide Rollout

The energy inside Wilson High School was unmistakable—focused, engaged, and brimming with the kind of academic intensity that every educator hopes to see. Walking from classroom to classroom, one would expect to see at least a few rogue phone screens glowing beneath desks or tucked inside hoodies, but instead, something extraordinary was visible.

In every room, students were locked into their learning. The only sighting of a cell phone? Tucked neatly into designated wall holders or secured in boxes on teachers’ desks—completely out of sight, entirely out of mind. The scene was a powerful testament to what’s possible when a school community embraces structure, trust and mutual respect. 

Chris Itson, LBUSD Program Administrator of Communications and the driving force behind the upcoming district-wide cell phone policy, walked from classroom to classroom, observing the transformation in real time. Itson led the policy development workgroup, which included central office staff, principals, teachers, parents, and students, ensuring a broad and representative approach to implementation. 

“What’s happening here at Wilson is exactly what we envision for every school in our district,” Itson said, taking in the seamless transition. “This is about removing the distractions, eliminating the social media noise, and putting the focus back where it belongs—on teaching and learning. And what’s most impressive? The students are already buying in.”

While Wilson High does not currently have a formal, school-wide phone restriction policy, several teachers, working in collaboration with the school’s administration, have been piloting different classroom-level approaches to reduce phone use. The success of these efforts is sparking valuable insights and building momentum for a broader rollout. 

Wilson High School’s leadership, under Principal Suzanne Caverly, has been instrumental in setting the tone. “We’re not perfect,” she admitted, “but we are doing meaningful work to address phone usage. Our students trust and respect their teachers, and when teachers set clear expectations, they largely respond positively.”

With each classroom visit, it became more evident that this “soft” rollout isn’t just about compliance; it’s about culture. It’s about re-establishing the classroom as a space for deep thinking, collaboration, and connection without the ever-present buzz of a notification pulling students away.

While cell phone use can present challenges, many teachers report positive results. By engaging students and families in open conversations about setting healthy boundaries, classrooms become more focused, intentional, and supportive of meaningful learning. 

While this walkthrough at Wilson was a success, there’s still work to be done. Come August, Long Beach Unified will take this initiative district-wide, ensuring every school has the structure and support to make this shift as seamless and effective as possible. And if Wilson is any indication, the future of focused, phone-free learning is closer than we think.