Ed-Tech Policy Video

What Makes an Effective School Cellphone Policy? An Overview

By Lauraine Langreo & Lauren Santucci — January 2, 2025 2:22
A ninth grader places her cellphone in to a phone holder as she enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. At the rural Utah school, there is a strict policy requiring students to check their phones at the door when entering every class. Each classroom has a cellphone storage unit that looks like an over-the-door shoe bag with three dozen smartphone-sized slots.

Students’ cellphone use has been one of the hottest topics in K-12 in recent years—"cellphone ban” was even Education Week’s phrase of the year for 2024.

Most educators are tired of the constant distractions the devices cause in classrooms. To address concerns around mental health and academic performance, districts across the country are limiting when and where students can use their personal devices.

Here, Education Week reporter Lauraine Langreo gives a rundown of how schools, districts, and states are addressing students’ cellphone use and the challenges that come with it.

Lauraine Langreo is an Education Week staff writer, covering education technology and learning environments.
Lauren Santucci was a video producer for Education Week.
Related Tags:

Video

Artificial Intelligence Video AI + Math Learning. How to Solve a New Problem
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics makes the argument that teachers, principals, and district leaders must “stay up to date on current AI trends” to prepare students for the future.
1 min read
Artificial Intelligence Video Reading Is Hard to Teach. Can AI Help?
Artificial intelligence might be able to drive cars, treat diseases, and train your front door to recognize your face. But can it help kids learn how to read?
1 min read
School Choice & Charters Video Private School Choice Is Growing. What Comes Next?
States are investing billions of dollars in public funds for families to use on private schooling.
1 min read
Reading & Literacy Video Why One School Is Leading the Return to Cursive
Georgia has joined 20-plus states returning cursive handwriting to elementary school classrooms.