DC Public Schools to ban cell phone use starting in 2025-26 school year
The policy will go into effect during the fall of the 2025-26 school year.
This means that all phones must be turned off and stored away throughout the school day. All middle schools and several high schools have already begun implementing the policy, and DCPS noted they are seeing positive changes.
'Piloting a phone-free program in our middle schools demonstrated that storing students' personal devices throughout the school day enriches academic, social, and emotional learning,' said DCPS Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. 'From increased classroom engagement to reduced anxiety and stronger student relationships — DCPS is ready to scale the program so we can keep driving outcomes that positively impact our students.'
Fairfax County Public Schools defends new cell phone policy as some question whether it complies with law
Despite the new policy, the school district will continue to utilize school-issued devices to integrate technology into a learning experience, and engage students in lessons related to digital literacy.
DCPS said that while technology provides learning opportunities, significant challenges arise when it comes to cell phones being present in classrooms.
School officials noted that growing research revealed that an increase in smartphones has fueled youth mental health concerns, negatively affected concentration and worsened bullying to include cyber interactions.
At least eight states have imposed bans on cell phone use in the classroom, including Florida, New York, Ohio and Virginia.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Bell to Bell law, stating that there should be no phone usage from 'bell to bell,' as in 'after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal [bell] rings at the end of the school day.' It also includes 'lunch and time in between class periods.'
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