WASHINGTON, D.C. — Starting August 25, middle and high school students in Washington, D.C. will face a new, citywide cellphone ban during the entire school day. Under this strict “bell-to-bell” policy, students will be required to keep their phones put away from the moment school begins until dismissal — including passing periods and lunch breaks.
This bold move follows successful cellphone restrictions at select schools, aiming to reduce distractions and foster a better learning environment. The policy is the result of efforts spearheaded by D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto, who introduced legislation earlier this year targeting excessive cellphone use in schools.
“We’ve seen encouraging results from pilot programs where phones were banned at middle schools,” said Lewis Ferebee, Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools. “Though initially challenging, students reported feeling more engaged with their classmates, less distracted, and noted improvements in forming positive social connections.”
Several high schools in the district had already voluntarily adopted similar bans, experiencing comparable benefits. This led district leaders to expand the initiative citywide.
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While enforcement methods will vary from campus to campus, schools plan to use a variety of strategies for phone storage during the day — from lockers and cubbies to specially designed pencil pouches. According to Deputy Chief of Schools Jennifer Rosenbaum, the policy specifically prohibits phones in students’ pockets, but allows them to be kept safely in backpacks or lockers.
Importantly, the ban includes exceptions for students with specific needs — such as those with individualized education plans (IEPs), medical reasons, or responsibilities like parenting younger children. Furthermore, students will continue to have access to school-issued devices during class hours.
Addressing parental concerns about emergency communication, Chancellor Ferebee reassured families that the district has robust protocols to keep them informed. “In emergency situations, students are expected to follow staff directions rather than use their phones immediately,” he explained. “School leaders are trained to promptly notify parents and guardians about any critical incidents, ensuring communication flows through the appropriate channels.”
This move aligns with broader regional efforts to limit cellphone distractions, as neighboring Northern Virginia and Maryland school districts have been reviewing and updating their own phone policies ahead of the upcoming academic year.
According to Ferebee, early feedback from students and educators confirms that stricter cellphone rules not only enhance academic focus but also contribute to reducing bullying incidents.
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A notable point: The initiative also highlights a growing recognition of the social impact of cellphone use among teens. Some experts suggest that limiting screen time during school hours can encourage more face-to-face interactions, potentially boosting students’ emotional well-being and interpersonal skills.
Schools are preparing to implement the new policy with minimal additional costs, leveraging existing resources and community partnerships to make the transition smooth for students and staff alike.
As D.C. moves forward with this comprehensive ban, the district hopes to set an example for other urban schools grappling with the balance between technology use and student engagement.
