For the first time in Ukiah High School history, Wildcat Nation has a universal cell phone policy. Since the beginning of the school year, teachers have been told to enforce a new rule requiring students to place their phones in a phone caddy during class time. After five months of the brand new experience, Ukiah High News wanted to understand how the policy came to be, how it is being enforced, and how it has affected campus culture.
California Assembly Bill 3216 mandates all schools—districts, charters, and county offices—to adopt policies limiting smartphone use by July 1, 2026, signaling a major shift in the state’s educational culture.
Ukiah High News interviewed Principal Dr. Analese Alvarez to discuss the origins of the school’s cell phone policy and its impact on campus culture.
Dr. Alvarez told us the push for the cell phone policy “was actually driven by some seniors last year.” She told a story of a senior who told a teacher “Take my cell phone and don’t give it back until I turn in ten assignments.” This student realized that “the cell phone was causing them and others to not complete their work.”
The first stage of the policy was called “off and away” which was instituted by Dr. Alvarez. She explained that the teachers and staff came together as a team to decide the way they were going to go with the cell phones; ‘Phones in the pockets, off and away.’ Then teachers can decide how to navigate from there
The purpose of the cell phone policy, according to Dr. Alvarez, is, “creat[ing] the best atmosphere with the least distractions so that when you’re here, you can focus on learning.”
Dr. Alvarez has received reports that since the cellphone policy was instituted, “We’re seeing better class participation, discussions, and organic relationships forming.”
The Ukiah High news team surveyed Wildcats to find out how closely students follow the new cell phone policy during school hours. We discovered that about 25% rarely follow the rules, while half of the students reported sticking to the policy. Responses varied widely, reflecting a range of habits and opinions.
We also asked if the policy has improved classroom focus and learning. Nearly 60% of students disagreed, signaling skepticism about its effectiveness.
Finally, we asked how students think the policy is fair. Only 24% felt it was fair to them. These results paint a clear picture of how the policy is being received—and it’s a mixed bag.
Jayleen Mendoza, a senior at Ukiah High, said she follows the cell phone policy but questioned its impact on learning. “I really don’t [think it improves my focus]. I feel like it’s the same, and kids will still find a way to use their phones or be distracted in class.” When asked if she felt the policy was fair, Mendoza responded, “I don’t think it’s fair, because a lot of students go through things in their lives, and they need their phone to contact their parents or guardians.”
Will Stout a 12th grader at Ukiah High, expressed his appreciation for the cell phone policy telling UHS News, “I like to put my phone up in the caddy because it helps eliminate distractions.” He said, “Whenever I have the urge to pull out my phone, I can’t because it’s not there.” He has found the cell phone policy, “helps me with my studying and completing my work.”
Kyle Ontiveros, an English teacher at Ukiah High, said the policy has “greatly improv[ed] the amount of focus [students] have in the classroom.” He’s noticed that students who follow the rules take “much less time outside of the classroom and are much less likely to miss educational time.” However, Ontiveros noted that some students still try to defy the policy, saying those students “are not gaining the benefits of putting their phone away.”
Fellow English teacher Jamie Planka said, “Students are too addicted to their phones,” and believes the policy has helped reduce distractions and improve attention spans in the classroom.
Ukiah High’s new cell phone policy has sparked mixed reactions. While teachers report better focus and engagement, students remain divided on its fairness and impact. The policy’s lasting effects on campus culture are yet to be seen.
Cali O'Ferrall
Cali O'Ferrall is a freshman in the Ukiah High school journalism class. If you're not catching her at practice she enjoys snowboarding and hanging out with friends and family. She joined journalism because she enjoys being in the loop about relevant topics her mom also did journalism all of her high school years so she wanted to carry on the legacy. She is very optimistic and caring so shes always brings a good environment and makes people feel comfortable and welcome.