Cell Phone Policy

Over the last decade, cell phones and other mobile devices (tablets, smart watches, laptops, etc.) have become near-universal in middle and high schools. While cell phones can be valuable tools for learning, they can also disrupt the educational environment and create safety concerns. To foster a focused and secure learning atmosphere, RPS will be implementing a cell-phone-free educational environment, in accordance with Executive Order 33, starting in 2025. The details are pending based on the model guidance that will be provided by the state as well as our own stakeholder input. RPS will finalize our policy prior to January 1, 2025. However, we strongly encourage families to begin having discussions with their students regarding the cell-phone free educational initiative. 

RPS’s cell-phone-pouch pilot launched in January of 2024 at six RPS schools. Administrators and teachers overwhelmingly supported the shift, noting in a staff survey that cell phones increased the amount of distractions during the school day. The pilot will continue throughout the first semester of SY2024-25 at the three middle schools. Teachers, staff, and principals noticed that, with cell phones securely put away, students tended to be more focused and engaged in classes. One of the key levers has been consistency in implementation — schools with strong investment in the pilot self-reported stronger results, engagement, and buy-in. 

RPS recognizes that cell phones can be powerful tools for teaching and learning. However, cell phones also increase access to distractions like social media and messaging apps. National nonprofit ExcelinEd noted that the rise of smartphones and social media has been linked to declining academic achievement as well as increases in classroom disruptions and distractions. We believe that by limiting the use of cell phones, students will be able to focus more on the teacher and their lessons — increasing their academic success in the long term. 

Coming back from the pandemic, many parents, teachers, and administrators have shared that student mental health is a key priority. Data shows that anxiety and depression in teens can be exacerbated by social media, and that extensive cell phone use increases those mental-health risks. In May of 2023 the American Psychological Association even issued a health advisory for social media, sharing that evidence suggests that exposure to maladaptive behavior may promote similar behavior among vulnerable youth. Our hope is that by limiting cell phone use in schools, we can lessen or curb some of the negative effects on students’ mental health. 

We understand that cell phones are an important part of many students' lives, and that they provide parents and caregivers security in the rare case of an emergency while at school. In case of emergencies at home, parents and caregivers can contact the school office or their child's teacher. The office staff will relay your message to your child. If there is a student emergency at school, parents and caregivers will be contacted by phone. If the school is unable to reach the parent or caregiver, the school will contact persons listed on the students emergency contact list. In the event of any incident within the school, RPS uses its Divisionwide text-messaging system, Remind, to share information with families quickly and accurately. 

Cell phones bring several behavioral challenges inside school walls, as well. Over the last several years, we’ve seen an increase in referrals due to cyberbullying, pornography access, and unwanted filming of peers. While these incidents are still rare, we are hopeful that a cell-phone-free school environment will decrease their overall number. 

We plan to take a rational approach to discipline regarding students’ cell phone use in school. For the fall semester, we strongly encourage students to leave their phones alone during the school day. Starting in January, if a student is caught using their cell phone in class, the student will receive a verbal reminder that the phone may be confiscated. If the student is caught using their phone multiple times in class, they may be subject to disciplinary actions outlined within the Student Code of Responsible Ethics (SCORE). In determining which of the disciplinary consequences are most appropriate, the following shall be considered:

a) the nature and seriousness of the violation

b) the student's age and previous disciplinary record 

c) any other relevant circumstances.

How to approach discipline is an area we hope is informed by parent, teacher and student feedback, so please fill out our survey or attend a listening session.