Student Use of Personal Mobile Devices Beginning in the 2025-26 School Year

Technology has undoubtedly changed and will continue to change how we communicate, engage, and participate in everyday life including in schools. It has created many opportunities, as well as challenges for parents, educators, and students as we navigate our new world.

As educators we strive to impact the lives of our students in positive ways. Providing a healthy community where students can learn the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to transition to healthy, happy, and thriving adults has always been at the core of our school communities and our role as educators.

Unfortunately the presence of personal devices such as cell phones, laptops and tablets, and smartwatches in school have undermined the educational experience and the core values we strive to uphold.

Our jobs have been, and always will be, to put the education and well-being of our students above all else, and therefore, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, we will implement the following in our Northshore schools:

• In Early Childhood Programs, Elementary, and Middle Schools: Personal mobile devices will not be allowed. Schools will take an “Off and Away for the Day” approach. The recommendation is that personal mobile devices (smartphones, smart watches, etc.) stay at home. If at school, they must be turned off and stored away (i.e., in a backpack) for the entire day. 
• In High Schools: Personal mobile device use will be limited to before and after school, passing periods, lunch, and nutrition breaks. Personal mobile device use won’t be allowed during instructional time. 
• Exceptions: Exceptions to this policy will be reviewed through the IEP or 504 accommodation process.

We recognize there will be a variety of feelings about these changes. It is important to know that a number of Northshore schools have already implemented these practices and are seeing positive classroom changes such as increased focus, attention, comprehension, engagement, and improved academic performance. Additionally, teachers and staff report enhanced face-to-face peer interactions, reduced cyberbullying, fewer fights, and a decrease in social media related issues. Students are also experiencing less stress and anxiety.

If you would like to learn more, please review our new Policy 3245 and Procedure 3245P. Many of the questions that students and parents have are addressed in the procedure. An FAQ will be published and shared prior to the start of school. We want to thank the Mobile Devices in Schools Task Force representing parents, staff, and students for their work over this past year to inform this body of work. Their thoughtful engagement and guidance is truly appreciated. 

We are excited to move forward with this shared commitment to providing the best educational experience possible for our students. Each of you plays a vital role in our school communities, and we look forward to working together to create the healthy academic and social environment all of our students deserve.