Students using cell phones at school – whether to watch YouTube videos, scroll Instagram or vibe on TikTok – interferes with learning, Kitsap County educators say.

So, most school districts have policies that ban students from using their prized smartphones in the classroom. Without limits on their use, teachers are concerned students would be so busy surfing social media, recording likes and posting photos that it would affect learning.

Restricting cell phone use on school campuses is a national issue that is getting renewed scrutiny locally. Florida last year banned phones in K-12 classrooms. In July, Virginia’s governor signed an order establishing “cell phone-free” classrooms in public schools. Several other states have passed laws restricting student use of phones during class.

This state’s schools chief, Chris Reykdal said, “Reducing the use of cell phones in class improves concentration and learning, improves mental and physical health, and reduces pressures caused by social media.” Reykdal has challenged school districts to reduce distractions during instructional time and come up with policies to restrict cell phone and smart device use in class by the start of the 2025–26 school year.

Smartphone use among students is pervasive. Approximately 95% of teens (ages 13-17) have a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center. One study indicated 42% of children nationwide had a phone by age 10, 72% by age 12 and 91% by age 14.

Administrators at Kitsap County’s five school districts largely agree that cell phone use in class and learning don’t mix.

Bainbridge Island (3,470 students)

BISD has also yet to form a district-wide policy on cell phone use but several schools have written up their own limits.

Bainbridge High School became a “cell phone free zone” during class periods, under a policy implemented this school year, principal Kristina Rodgers said. Phones are not permitted in hallways or bathrooms while students are out of class. Devices need to be turned off and put away in a bag or purse or stored in a phone caddy. They cannot be stored in a person’s pocket.

The policy will “allow students to stay more present and engaged in their learning,” Rodgers said. “The intent is to support our students in their academic success by removing a major temptation and distraction, as well as promote face to face interaction and connection.”

The principal believes the policy will enhance learning opportunities. “We also know that phones are an important communication tool for teens as they grow in their independence. Therefore, responsible cell phone use will be allowed during passing periods, lunchtime, and before and after school time,” Rodgers said.

A student violating the electronic device rules will have the phone taken until the school day ends and an email will be sent to family. A second offense calls for a parent/guardian meeting. A third violation will result in the student not being allowed to bring a phone to school for a length of time agreed to by parents and staff.

Sakai Intermediate School (grades 5-6) and Woodward Middle School (grades 7-8) have cell phone restrictions – both require students to store phones away from the time they enter the building until they leave.

North Kitsap (5,100 students)

NKSD’s policy requires students on school property to turn off their cell phones. Devices can be used before and after school and during lunch.

NK’s cell phone policy was put in place in 2020, just before the start of the pandemic. The regulations were not a priority during and right after the COVID-era since staff was focused on personal and emotional issues of returning students, said Craig Barry, NKSD’s director of secondary schools.

This year, however, the policy is being emphasized, Barry said. NK school officials plan to review the policy and revise as necessary. Teachers who contend with phones in the classroom will be consulted, he said. “We want to see how this school year goes before deciding about any changes.”

Central Kitsap (11,000 students)

The largest school district is without a cell phone policy. Officials plan to form one soon. Meanwhile, individual schools have been given the green light to dial up restrictions for classrooms.

“One of my commitments this year is working with our staff, students and community around use of cell phones usage in our schools. Hopefully, the outcome of that will be developing a new policy for our district,” said Erin Prince, CKSD superintendent. “Last year our school board definitely heard about the challenge of disruptions and distractions in our classrooms (from cell phone use). The board wanted more information before they started creating a new policy.”

Administrators plan to hold community forums this fall to provide students, families and staff to weigh in on the subject. “While the timing is a little off that we didn’t get it done for this school year, it’s more important to engage and get as much input as possible before the school board develops a policy,” Prince said.

As a district policy is developed, the district is giving schools the option to impose cell phone restrictions. Middle schools and the four high schools have “off and away” restrictions during class time, which requires cell phones to be off and stored, Prince said. Many elementary schools are under the same limitation, she added.

South Kitsap School District (serving nearly 9,000 students)

SKSD policy states students are to have their telecommunication devices (cell phones, gaming devices and tablets) off while at school or school events. Devices can be used before and after school and during lunch break.

“In the classroom, student learning always comes first, and we know that cell phones can take away from that focus,” SKSD superintendent Tim Winter said. “Our desire is that all personal electronic devices be put away during class, unless they’re being used for a specific lesson or activity.”

Students violating the cell phone policy at SK High School face escalating consequences, the student handbook says. For the first violation, the student must meet with the Dean. At the second violation, parents are contacted. Strike three, results in detention and requires a parent to pick up the confiscated device.

Like several other Kitsap County school districts, SK officials plan to reexamine the policy. “Over the next few months, we’ll be reviewing new guidance from (the state schools chief) and looking at how it fits with our current district policies. This process will include collaboration with staff and parents,” Winter said.

Bremerton (4,500 students)

Schools in the Bremerton School District are without a districtwide policy on student phone use but after concerns were raised over increased phone use on campuses, staff came up with Mind Over Mobile. The initiative, which kicked off this school year, calls for the district’s two high schools and middle school to be “cell phone free.”

“This is about students engaging with other humans to listen and learn, over engaging with mobile technology,” said Iva Scott, BSD’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning.

“Implementing a phone- and social media-free environment will foster an atmosphere where students can be fully present, reduce anxiety linked to online interactions, and thrive academically and socially without the pressures of digital devices,” administrators said in a communication announcing the program to families.

The new rules will help students stay focused, district officials said. “This really started via the staff,” said Ryan Nickels, director of BSD’s vocational skills center. “They were saying cell phones and electronics are a problem that needs to be addressed. They saw kids checking out on their device. Use of social media was increasing.”

In forming the guidelines, officials held community forums with students, families and teachers.

Grade school rules call for kids to turn in phones at the start of the day and pick them up at the end of the day. High schoolers need to store their devices during class but are allowed to use them during lunch and between classes.

Though the school year is just getting started, Scott said so far, the Mind Over Mobile program has received positive feedback from students, family members and staff.

Other restrictions

Limits schools have placed on cell phones frequently contain other restrictions.

Policies also often prohibit students on school grounds, on school buses or at school events from possessing or sharing texts or emails depicting sexually explicit material.

Common exceptions to cell phone restrictions include when a student uses an app to monitor a medical condition, like diabetes, and when emergency situations arise, such as an active shooter situation.

Reducing the amount of time kids are absorbed with their smartphones has benefits beyond enhancing education. Bans can reduce cyberbullying. Another positive side effect of phone restrictions is they can lead to kids having more face-to-face conversations with classmates, educators say.

In many districts, students are also banned from using their electronic devices in a way that poses a threat to academic integrity and disrupts the learning environment. That is aimed at preventing cheating, Barry said. “We don’t want someone to take a picture of a test and send to friends.”