Phone Free Learning Act
Governor Little, with the support of Superintendent Debbie Critchfield, issued the Phone Free Learning Act Executive Order on October 31, 2024 to school districts and public charter schools, encouraging them to develop and implement a district-wide policy around managing cell phones in the classroom.
Coming out of the pandemic, we have seen students struggle to recover learning and pre-pandemic test scores, with these challenges being compounded when students are distracted with outside inputs from their cell phone, whether it be communication with friends or social media.
There are several school districts and charter schools that have already implemented these policies and are seeing immediate positive impacts for their students, teachers, and classrooms.
The Idaho Department of Education will provide support to school districts and charter schools in developing and implementing this policy, including the policy check list.
Additionally, utilizing federal funds, school districts who adopt a cell phone policy will be awarded a grant to assist with storage and other costs associated with implementing this policy.
These components should be considered and incorporated into an LEA Policy for Cell Phones:
- Define the specific goals of the policy, such as student safety, staff support, preventing distractions, improving academic focus, and responsible technology use.
- Example: Encouraging kids to focus on only school during the day is an essential part in making up the education gaps in test scores, attendance, and social skills we are seeing because of the pandemic.
- Provide information on the mental and physical health effects of high levels of cell phone and social media use to students and families.
- Reinforce digital literacy lessons, the effects of cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and online disinformation.
- Outline policy for limiting and/or structuring student cell phone usage including when and where students are allowed to use phones.
- Provide behavior expectations for cell phones and devices to students and families and specify prohibited activities such as texting, social media, and disruptive behavior.
- Define use and non-use areas within the classroom, school, and on school grounds.
- Outline what devices are included, for example, cell phones, tablets, smart watches, etc.
- Limit cell phone usage during testing to protect the integrity of assessment items and results.
- Example: Students may use personal technology devices during lunch, school-sponsored activities outside of school hours, for educational purposes with explicit teacher permission, or in the event of an emergency as defined by this policy. Students may not use personal technology devices to engage in disruptive behavior or cyberbullying.
- Review and ensure that accommodations for students with disabilities that have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 are met.
- Define parameters for emergencies, including how to contact a student while in school.
- Teach about the safe use of cell phones and smart devices during emergencies.
- Where will students keep their phones? For example, designated stations, lockers, classroom cubbies, or magnetic bags.
- Manage wireless to limit access to certain websites or content on school grounds.
- If a student violates this policy, a teacher or administrator shall take the following disciplinary measures, including confiscation of the cell phone and/or a call to parent/guardian.
- Provide a fair and transparent process for students or parents/guardians to appeal disciplinary actions.
- Example: The first violation of this policy will result in the student receiving a warning and potential device confiscation. The second violation will result in detention or loss of privileges. The third offense will result in suspension or other disciplinary action, as appropriate. Students may appeal disciplinary actions by submitting a written request to the principal within five (5) school days of the incident.
If possible (optional):
- Hold informational sessions to address questions or concerns.
Consult with district attorney to ensure the policy aligns with state and federal laws, including the First Amendment and student privacy rights.
- Implement a monitoring system for cell phone use such as classroom rules, designated phone storage areas, or technology monitoring tools.
- Educate staff on policy to ensure consistent enforcement.
- Communicate the policy to students and their parents or guardians.
- Provide information on the mental and physical health effects of high levels of cell phone and social media use to students and families.
- Reinforce digital literacy lessons, the effects of cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and online disinformation.
Consult with LEA attorney to ensure the policy aligns with state and federal laws, including the First Amendment and student privacy rights.
- Review the policy annually to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
GEER Funding LEAs Adopting Local Cell Phone Policies
These funds will be administered through the State Department of Education (coordinating with the State Board of Education and Governor’s Office) and sent to local school districts upon proof of adoption of a comprehensive cell phone policy for school year 2024-2025. Districts and public charter schools must adopt a policy by January 15, 2025 and implement this policy within the 2024-2025 school year.
In priority area:
Classroom/Main Office Storage Devices
- Magnetic Bags for classrooms
- Cubbies for classrooms
- “Cell Phone Lockbox” at Main Office
Technology
- Cell phone jammers (except emergency calls)
- Device filters
Signage
- "Phone Free Zone” and other policy signage around school buildings.
Activities— Miscellaneous Expenditures
- Many schools with cell phone policies have spent money on miscellaneous items such as games, music and other activities for common areas such as the lunchrooms.
- Communications related to policy implementation