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Hawaii bans cellphones in classrooms with new age-based restrictions

Younger students face full-day phone bans, while high schoolers get limited access. Will stricter rules finally curb classroom distractions? Schools prepare for a major shift.

The image shows a group of people sitting at desks in a classroom, with a man standing and holding...
The image shows a group of people sitting at desks in a classroom, with a man standing and holding a mobile phone in his hand. On the tables in front of them are bottles and other objects, and in the background there is an air conditioner attached to the wall and a window. The scene is likely related to the news that the Ministry of Education has launched a mobile app for students in Uganda.

Hawaii bans cellphones in classrooms with new age-based restrictions

Hawaii's public schools will soon enforce stricter rules on cellphone use in classrooms. The new policy targets different age groups with varying restrictions. Officials aim to cut down on distractions while keeping the benefits of technology in Google Classrooms.

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, younger students will face tighter controls. Elementary, middle, and intermediate pupils must keep phones off and stored throughout the entire school day. High school students, however, will only be barred from using devices during lessons—schools can still permit use during breaks or free periods.

The state Department of Education will provide detailed guidelines before the rollout. Schools must also set clear penalties for breaking the rules, with consequences becoming stricter for repeat offences. Currently, 85.6% of schools already have some form of cellphone policy, though specifics vary. The most common approach requires phones to be turned off and kept in backpacks or designated holders.

Officials stress the policy balances learning needs with safety. By limiting distractions, they hope to create a more focused environment for both students and teachers in Google Classrooms.

The changes will take effect after a preparation period, with full implementation expected by 2026. Schools will receive support to adjust to the new rules. The policy marks a shift toward stricter, statewide standards for cellphone use in Hawaii's classrooms.

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