The state Board of Education has adopted a statewide policy establishing new rules for student cellphone use in public schools.

“The policy is intended to balance the benefits of technology integration with the need to minimize classroom disruption and promote a safe and respectful learning environment,” according to a Department of Education press release.

Board members noted that while the policy establishes statewide expectations, its impact will ultimately depend on an implementation plan “aligned with the board’s commitment to student learning and well-being.”

Minimum requirements under the board policy are:

— Elementary school: Cellphone use is prohibited during school hours.

— Middle and intermediate school: Cellphone use is prohibited during school hours.

— High school: Cellphone use is prohibited during instructional time. Schools may exercise discretion regarding use outside of instructional time, including before and after school, and during designated breaks, recess, lunch and free periods.

The DOE will now develop implementation guidelines to take effect beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

At today’s board meeting, testifiers, including high school students, expressed support for limiting device use during instructional time.

“A lot of students definitely appreciated the fact that you give high schoolers a little more leeway, and certain students were very adamant about remaining flexible at the high school level,” Mia Nishiguchi, student Board of Education member, said during today’s meeting.

“It is vital that students are living up to the effective usage of technology, especially with many moving onto post-secondary education or the workforce. They are not going to have any cellphone balance there,” she added.

The policy also requires that guidelines establish clear and progressive consequences for violations.

Exceptions are permitted in limited circumstances, including during emergencies or perceived threats to safety, when expressly authorized for instructional purposes, when required for a student’s health needs as determined by a licensed physician, or when included in a student’s Individualized Education Program.

The DOE will begin developing detailed guidance and working with schools to support implementation during the upcoming school year. Additional information, including timelines and school-level expectations, will be communicated to families and staff in advance.

The board’s action follows months of review, including statewide surveys of schools and stakeholder feedback regarding the impact of cellphone use on student learning and well-being.