On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Manual Arts School began enforcing the new Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) rule that bans cell phones and other smart devices during school hours. To do this, the school uses Yondr security bags, where students must store their phones until dismissal. This rule, which was passed in June 2024, seeks to get students to pay more attention in class, prevent bullying and help with mental health. Although the rule is for all schools in the district, each school decides how cell phones are put away during the day.

Some students disagree with the ban because they believe it could be a problem in emergencies. For example, Angel Lopez, a high school student, said in an interview with Telemundo 52: “Personally, I don’t like it. If something happens, I always have my phone. I think it’s kind of dumb. What if there’s a shooting at school and I have to communicate with my dad or something?” This shows that there is a debate between keeping the focus on education and allowing students to have access to their phones in times of need.