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As of Feb. 17, Van Nuys High School, along with all schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), has officially implemented the district-wide phone ban policy during school hours. 

This new rule aims to minimize distractions and create a more focused learning environment. While the policy has already begun, it is expected to become even more strictly enforced once the school receives magnetic pouches designed to lock away students’ phones.  

The pouches, which are a key part of the policy, operate using a special system that essentially puts phones into a form of airplane mode. This means that once your phone is placed inside, it will no longer receive messages, notifications or calls. 

For many students, this is an important detail to note, as it ensures that phones remain completely inaccessible during class time.  

Currently, the school is in a transitional phase. While the phone ban is already in effect, the magnetic pouches have not yet been distributed. It’s unclear exactly when they will be fully enforced, but for now, students are expected to keep their phones out of sight and silenced during instructional hours.  

Regardless of opinions, the policy is now in place and Van Nuys High School, like all LAUSD schools, is adapting to this new reality.  

As we wait for the magnetic pouches, students are encouraged to prepare for a phone-free environment during school hours. Whether this policy will achieve its intended goals remains to be seen, but for now, it’s the new norm.