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Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Franklin Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Franklin Personal Technology Policy

phone and headphones

This year Franklin High School is introducing a schoolwide personal technology policy to help students better focus on their learning.

Personal technology use (including cellphones, smart watches, tablets, and headphones) during instructional time is not permitted, unless explicitly stated by the teacher and reinforced by the green cellphone sign in the classroom. When a student enters the classroom, their personal technology should be silenced, not visible and put away.

Personal Technology Procedures

Teachers will use the following procedures when personal technology is being used in the classroom without permission.

  1. Whole class reminder
  2. Individual verbal reminder
  3. Student asked to put device in designated area in classroom
  4. Teacher contacts home
  5. Teacher refers student and admin contacts home
  6. Teacher refers student and admin meets with family to make a personal technology plan

Supporting Focused Learning: New Districtwide Student Cellphone Procedure Begins May 4

Beginning Monday, May 4, Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

We want to share why this change is being made and how it supports students.

What to Expect

The procedure reflects students’ developmental needs:

  • Grades K–8: Phones will be “Away for the Day”, not accessible during school hours. 
  • Grades 9–12: Phones will be “No Cell Bell to Bell”. Phones will be kept away during class, with limited access during lunch and passing periods.

This approach protects learning time while helping older students build responsible device habits.

School leaders will retain flexibility in storage routines and tools while maintaining the same expectations districtwide. Please be on the lookout for a letter from your school leader that explains your school’s storage routine.

Why This Change

Until now, cellphone expectations have varied from school to school, which has been confusing for families and inconsistent for students. Our goal is to ensure all students have the same clear, fair expectations and the best possible conditions for learning, no matter which school they attend.

What We Learned

District review, pilot schools, and feedback from students, families, and educators showed consistent results:

  • When phones are kept away during instruction, students are more engaged and better able to focus 
  • Fewer distractions lead to calmer classrooms and stronger learning experiences 

Research reinforces what schools see every day. Cellphones, even when not actively used, can interrupt attention, lower academic performance, and make it harder for students to refocus. Cellphone use can also contribute to increased stress, cyberbullying, and other well‑being concerns.

Supporting All Students

Students who need access to a device for medical needs or documented IEP or Section 504 accommodations will continue to receive those supports.

This procedure is not about punishment; it is about creating focused, supportive learning environments and clear expectations for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us to help students learn, connect, and thrive.

If you have questions, please contact us using Let’s Talk.

With appreciation,

Bev Redmond  
Chief of Staff and Public Affairs  
Seattle Public Schools