Cell Phone Policies:
School cell phone policies are governance decisions that directly impact student focus, school culture, and classroom learning. At First State Educate, we support school leaders in using research and best practices to craft thoughtful policies that balance student well being, academic success, and effective school operations across Delaware’s public schools.
This page features national policy news and research related to school climate and discipline to help you stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging issues. Read the article summaries and access the articles via the buttons below. Explore current conversations, understand how other states and districts are approaching these topics, and consider how these insights may inform governance decisions in Delaware.
Iowa - Des Moines School Board
The board is set to vote on a new cell phone policy that restricts phone use during instructional time for high school students and prohibits it entirely during the school day for middle and elementary students.
New Jersey - Cherry Hill Board of Education
The board unanimously passed a policy prohibiting school board members from using wireless communication devices during board meetings. The board also approved a policy restricting wireless device use for students in September.
Arizona – Tucson Unified School District (TUSD)
TUSD trustees approved clarifications to their smart device policy for the 2025–26 school year. Students are now explicitly required to keep phones and similar devices powered off and out of sight during instructional time unless approved by staff for specific academic or health-related purposes.
Vermont - Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools (MRPS)
The board is considering a district-wide ban on student cell phone and other electronic device use . This policy would impact additional students if the possible merger with the U-32 school district moves forward.
Colorado - Boulder Valley School District
The district ban on cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day for high school students has received positive feedback from school staff and teachers, despite initial pushback
Iowa – Dubuque Community School District
Dubuque schools adopted a new policy requiring students to keep cell phones and smart devices off and stored during class time. While students may use phones before and after school or during lunch, violations during class will result in progressive disciplinary actions.
Ohio - Revere Board of Education
The board reviewed proposed updates to its electronic communications device policy to clarify guidelines for student use of personal devices during school hours. The revisions seek to balance the benefits of technology in education and minimize classroom distractions.
Alabama – Tallassee City Schools
In response to the state’s FOCUS Act, Tallassee City Schools students must now keep their phones turned off and stored away in lockers or vehicles, except under certain documented educational or health circumstances.
Texas – San Antonio Area Schools
San Antonio-area districts are preparing for a new state law that bans the use of phones, tablets, and smartwatches from the start of school until dismissal, with limited exceptions. Districts are working to update local policies, inform families, and ensure schools are ready to enforce the rule.