More school districts are banning cell-phone use on campus. Where does Tacoma stand?
School is back in session for many students across the state of Washington, with Tacoma students returning next week.
Some nearby districts have chosen to implement cell-phone restrictions for the 2024-25 school year, but where does Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) stand? The News Tribune reached out to the district to ask.
“Our District has policies in place that govern student conduct generally, which include rules that prohibit certain inappropriate uses of cellphones in schools,” TPS spokesperson Kathryn McCarthy said via email, adding that such rules apply throughout the district. “Additionally, school leaders have the flexibility to set and enforce phone expectations for their individual schools.”
A couple examples: Gray Middle School, 6229 S. Tyler St., states on its website that cell phones, personal devices and airpods must stay confined to bags or lockers from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Students at Stadium High School, 111 N. E St., can use electronic devices before and after school or during lunch — and only in class if the teacher approves.
TPS’ handbook notes that kids can’t use devices, including smartphones, in a way that disrupts learning or violates district rules or others’ rights. McCarthy added that, compared with last year, no changes have been implemented in terms of the district’s position on those devices.
Certain neighboring districts have adopted different approaches. FOX 13 Seattle reported in May that Peninsula School District banned phones throughout passing periods and during class.
OSPI Guidance
Last week the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) issued guidance advising schools to limit students’ cell-phone use. The Aug. 28 document urges campus “leaders to plan to update their policies” before the 2025-26 school year begins.
“The research is clear: Reducing the use of cell phones in class improves concentration and learning, improves mental and physical health, and reduces pressures caused by social media,” State Superintendent Chris Reykdal noted in the document.
The U.S. Surgeon General in May 2023 warned that social media can harm kids’ mental health and well-being.
OSPI recommends that schools adopt campus-wide policies concerning phones rather than leaving it up to individual teachers — for uniformity’s sake.
Exceptions could be made when a device is intended for use as part of a lesson, according to OSPI. Same goes whenever a student with disabilities needs to access such tech to bolster learning.
“We know that students succeed when they can focus on learning,” Larry Delaney, president of the Washington Education Association, said in a statement on OSPI’s website. “These policies provide educators with support to create better learning environments and is a step forward in creating safer and healthier schools for our students.”
The National Education Association published a report last month indicating the vast majority of educators surveyed, 90%, support policies banning cell phone use in class.
Argument for restricting cell-phone use in class
Cell phones have become nearly ubiquitous among kids.
Roughly a decade ago, in 2014-15, less than three-quarters of teenagers had access to a smartphone (73%), according to a report by the Pew Research Center. By 2022 that number had ballooned to 95%.
Last year, Common Sense Media published a study showing that 97% of student participants accessed their phone during school hours, staying on for a median time of 43 minutes.
Some experts have argued that cell-phone use can be habit-forming and has an adverse effect on kids, such as inhibiting socialization.
Monday is Tacoma Public Schools’ first day back for grades 1-12.
