School board approves policy change barring cell phones, smartwatches during instructional time

Love them or hate them, cell phones have become a necessary part of everyday life, with teenagers more digitally connected than ever. Most have access to smartphones and use social media, and nearly half say they are online almost constantly.

Cell phone use in schools is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. While some argue that phones can be valuable tools for learning and communication, others express concerns about distractions, safety issues, and potential negative impacts on student well-being and academics. Many schools and states are actively grappling with how to manage cell phone use during the school day, with some implementing bans or restrictions, while others focus on responsible use and digital citizenship education.

Beginning in the upcoming school year, the use of non-school issued wireless telecommunications, including cell phones and smartwatches, will be prohibited during regular school hours, including lunch, and passing periods. The board approved the policy change unanimously during their regular meeting on May 21.

There will be exceptions. For example, a student whose physician has determined that she or he must possess a personal electronic signaling wireless telecommunication device for a health-related purpose may provide documentation of that health-related necessity to the school administrator.

Exceptions may also be considered for translation purposes, in the event of an emergency, or when an administrator grants permission to use a wireless telecommunications device for educational purposes.

MSBSD Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani said during his administrative report that the ban on wireless telecommunications was initially brought up because Alaska House Bill 57 had slightly different language than what the district had in their proposed revision.

“We went back and forth and we decided to include the language because we know there’s lots of controversy about House Bill 57, but this isn’t controversial. So it would probably end up in there one way or another.”

Several schools in the MSBSD were already taking different steps to address cell phone usage. Palmer High School, Palmer Junior Middle School, and Su Valley Jr/Sr High Schools participated in a program using Yondr pouches to secure cell phones during the school day.

Dr. Trani said during the MSBSD school board meeting that while the schools handled cell phone usage differently, with different mechanisms to enforce no cell phone the commonality was no phones from the beginning of school until the end of school.

The new rule is intended to improve student learning and social connections, limit distractions and improve student learning and social connections, officials said at a meeting earlier this month.

MSBSD school board member Andrew Shane expressed concern that if a parent needed to text their student for a change in pick up or other notification, there may not be enough time for students to receive the messages, but Dr. Trani reassured that such a scenario would be addressed as implementation policies are developed over the summer, including rules for how and when a student can use their phone to contact a parent during the school day, and allowing students to look at their phones the last few minutes of the day.

Wasilla High School Principal Jason Marvel addressed the policy change on social media, writing: “Starting in August, we are asking that students either leave cell phones at home or put them in their backpacks during school hours.” He said the staff will model the new policy by not having their cell phones visible to students, and hopes that families will discuss the changes ahead of the new school year. “I am asking that parents have conversations with their student(s) about the new expectations.”

Marvel said that that if parents need to reach their student during the school day, they may do so by contacting the WHS front office, and conversely, if students need to contact parents during the school day, they may do so by requesting to use the front office phone.

He said that disciplinary consequences for non-compliance, that WHS administration will request a parent must pick up the device. For repeated offenses, in addition to parental retrieval of the device, the student must either complete three SERVES or one Saturday School. If there is a third offense, the will be an out of school suspension and/or principal conference.

“Please remember that this is a Mat-Su Borough School District policy,” Marvel wrote, adding that he believes the change will be positive for WHS, and that by limiting distractions, there will be more space for face-to-face interactions, deeper learning and stronger relationships. “Warrior Nation is strong and we are excited to see student collaboration, engagement and school spirit get even stronger.”