By Tavon N. Thomasson
AFRO Intern
Beginning Aug. 25, 2025, D.C. Public Schools will enforce a districtwide ban on personal cell phones and electronic devices including “smart watches or Bluetooth headphones, laptops and tablets,” to limit distractions and create a better learning environment for students.
Under the new policy, all mobile devices must remain off and stored throughout the school day. Individual schools will have the flexibility to determine how to store students’ cellular devices. Whether that means requiring them to remain in backpacks, lockers, or placing them in a designated basket.
“Piloting a phone-free program in our middle schools demonstrated that storing students’ personal devices throughout the school day enriches academic, social and emotional learning,” said DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee.
In its two year trial across middle schools and several high schools, the administration found the phone-free model to work smoothly with existing storage options.
In a zoom meeting ahead of the policy’s release, Dr. Ferebee said, “There wasn’t a budget for the schools that have been piloting this or been utilizing this for some time; they’ve been using their school resources different ways, and we don’t anticipate additional hefty expenses for schools.”
DCPS has noted that while smartphones can be educational assets, allowing them to be accessible to students throughout the day can cause issues. According to DCPS, studies have found that excessive levels of smartphone use has “fueled youth mental health concerns, negatively affected concentration and worsened bullying to include cyber interactions.”
“Oftentimes, we can see that students are communicating throughout the day about plan altercations, or students sending messages to other students that are informed of bullying,” said Dr. Ferebee, during the Zoom meeting. “Those are two great examples that I think we can eliminate with this policy across our schools.”
Although cell phones will be prohibited, “DCPS will continue to utilize school-issued devices to integrate technology into learning experiences, including engaging students in lessons related to digital literacy and citizenship.”
Furthermore, administrators acknowledge that some students may require limited phone access due to medical needs. Those with Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans who depend on assistive technology can request supervised use of their devices.
During field trips, teachers may authorize phone use if it directly supports safety and educational goals. In a school emergency, DCPS will communicate with parents and guardians through approved channels. Families are asked not to call or text students during a crisis.
It’s important to note that “DCPS and its staff do not assume responsibility for students’ cell phones or electronic communication devices if they are brought to school grounds,” the policy states.
For more information on the new cell phone and electronic device policy, visit the DCPS site at https://dcps.dc.gov/cellphones