Seattle schools to enforce strict cellphone bans by 2026-27
Seattle Public Schools has announced plans for a new district-wide policy restricting student cellphone use. The move follows growing concerns about distractions, cyberbullying, and social media pressures in schools. Officials aim to introduce the changes by the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
The district began reviewing cellphone policies after the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction recommended stricter rules last summer. Around 75% of Washington school districts had already introduced some form of cellphone limitation by the 2025-26 school year.
Seattle’s current approach varies by school, with each setting its own rules. To shape the new policy, the district examined existing practices and held listening sessions with students. Feedback showed that most pupils supported reasonable limits, provided they were not too harsh.
Under the proposed policy, elementary schools will ban phones entirely. Middle schools will enforce an 'away for the day' rule, while high schools will require phones to be stored during lessons unless a teacher allows otherwise. The main objectives are to boost concentration, encourage in-person socialising, and reduce online conflicts.
The policy is set to roll out in 2026-27, marking a shift from school-specific rules to a unified district approach. If successful, it could align Seattle with the majority of Washington districts already restricting phone use. The changes will also coincide with planned leadership updates in schools, scheduled for the 2023-24 academic year.
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