DENVER — School districts across the United States are adopting or expanding policies that restrict students' use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day, with several new state laws requiring local districts to have rules in place before the 2026-27 academic year begins. Officials say the measures are intended to reduce classroom distractions while allowing exceptions for emergencies, health needs and approved educational uses.
The growing number of district policies reflects a broader shift by state governments and local education authorities toward more standardized rules governing student device use. While individual policies differ, many require phones to remain in lockers, backpacks or designated storage during instructional time, and some extend restrictions throughout the entire school day. Education officials have said the policies are designed to support student engagement while preserving reasonable accommodations where required by law.
In Colorado, a state law taking effect on July 1 requires every school district to adopt a policy specifying when and how students may use personal devices during the school day. Districts have responded with varying approaches, ranging from full-day restrictions to rules allowing phone access during lunch or passing periods, according to reporting on district policies and state requirements.
California school districts also face a July 1 deadline under the state's Phone-Free School Act to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting smartphone use on school campuses. The law provides exceptions for emergencies, documented medical needs and other specified circumstances, according to state requirements.
Other states have also enacted or advanced legislation addressing student device use. Kansas now requires school districts to adopt policies covering personal electronic communication devices, while Washington state has approved legislation directing school districts to implement policies restricting mobile device use during instructional hours on a future timetable established in state law.
District officials have generally said they are balancing efforts to reduce distractions with the need to maintain communication in emergencies and provide accommodations for students with disabilities or documented medical conditions. State laws reviewed also require or encourage such exceptions.
Some education systems outside the United States are moving in a similar direction. Earlier this month, the Czech government approved legislation that would prohibit mobile phone use in schools beginning in 2027, joining several European countries that have adopted comparable restrictions.
As of late June, additional districts were continuing to finalize or publish their policies ahead of the new school year to comply with recently enacted state requirements, while implementation timelines vary by jurisdiction according to applicable laws and local school board decisions.
