Franklin Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Purpose 
The purpose of this cell phone policy is to foster a positive learning environment while recognizing the importance of digital citizenship.  At Franklin High School, we follow our district-wide cell phone policy. Cell Phone use during instructional time is not permitted. When a student enters the classroom, their phone should be turned off, and put away in their backpack or classroom cell phone holder. 

Cell Phone Usage Guidelines 

Classroom Use

• Cell phones must be off and stored away during instructional time
• All students will be expected to check their cellphone into the designated location at the beginning of class (ie. cellphone pockets).
• This includes personal technology such as headphones.

Lunch and Passing Periods 

• Students are allowed to use their cell phones during lunch and passing periods. However, it is encouraged to engage in face-to-face interactions and limit excessive screen time. 

To Help Ensure Students are Following the Cell Phone Policy, teachers will do the following: 

• Clear Communication
  • Introduce the Policy: At the beginning of the school year or semester, clearly communicate the cell phone policy to students. Explain the rationale behind the policy and the importance of digital citizenship (see below). Be sure students understand that their parents/ guardians will be contacted if students are not following the policy. 
  • Visual Reminders: Display the policy in the classroom, such as on a bulletin board or classroom wall, so students can easily reference it. Be sure to have the Cell Phone sign as a non-verbal, visual reminder of your expectation during this time.  
  • Consistent Enforcement: Ensure that consequences for policy violations are clearly defined and applied consistently. Make students aware of the specific actions that will be taken for misuse. 
• Model Appropriate Use
  • Demonstrate Behavior: As an educator, model appropriate cell phone behavior by limiting your own phone use during instructional time and emphasizing its educational use when applicable. 
• Engage Students in Discussions
  • Involve Students: Facilitate discussions about the impact of cell phone use on learning, digital citizenship and mental health. Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences, fostering a sense of ownership over the policy. 

Consequences for Misuse 

If a student is using cell phones or personal technology when they are not supposed to be, teachers will follow these steps: 

• Whole class reminder to turn phone off and put phone away in backpack or classroom cell phone holder 
• Individual verbal warning. Ask student to put cell phone in a designated area in the classroom (i.e. cell phone pockets) if you need something for your classroom, let admin know.  
• If the student continues to need reminders/ behaviors become a pattern, teacher will contact home before the end of the day.
• If a student refuses consistently, teacher will make referral using the Cell Phone Referral Form, in order for admin to follow up.
  • Admin follow-up will consist of:
    • Parent outreach for initial incident  
    • For second incident, admin will initiate a family meeting and written Cell Phone Plan that will be distributed to teachers 

Digital Citizenship 

Students are expected to practice good digital citizenship. This includes: 

• Respecting the privacy of others by not taking photos or videos without consent. 
• Using social media responsibly and avoiding negative interactions or bullying. 
• Understanding the importance of maintaining a positive online presence. 
• Being aware of the implications of sharing personal information online. 

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