Personal Communication Devices

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As we continue to prioritize student learning, engagement, and well-being, we are updating our expectations regarding the use of all personal communication devices, such as cell phones and smart watches during the school day.

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, middle school students will be expected to keep all personal communication devices turned off and secured in their lockers from 8:00 AM to 3:25 PM. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods, handheld gaming devices, and similar technology.

This change builds on the expectation we put in place during the 2023–2024 school year, which prohibited device use during instructional time. Since then, we’ve seen a meaningful increase in classroom focus and student engagement. At the same time, we’ve come to realize that further reducing daily distractions is necessary to better support students’ learning, social interactions, and overall well-being.We appreciate your partnership as we take this next step in creating a learning environment where all students can be successful.

Feedback from our community engagement sessions, studying and learning as a school district, research, and the growing concerns about the impact of social media and screen time on adolescent mental health, have informed this decision. The evidence is clear: reducing access to personal communication devices during the school day supports greater focus in class, more meaningful peer connections, and improved emotional well-being.

Of course, if you need to communicate with your child during the school day, please contact the office (608.437.7306) and we will be happy to share the message with them. We recognize that this change may be an adjustment for students and families. We appreciate your support as we continue to create a safe and engaging environment where students can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

• A Look at State Efforts for Youth Mental Health
• The Anxious Generation Book
• Take Cell Phones Out of the Classrooms, Educators Say (NEA)
• PEW Research Center
• What’s Behind the Ban on Cell Phones in K-12 Schools? John Hopkins

We will be working within our school teams to make certain all expectations are clearly communicated to our students. We will also make a conscious effort to remind students of the off and away expectation on a regular basis. Thank you in advance for helping reiterate these expectations at home.

• All personal communication devices (including cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods, and similar items) must be turned off and stored in lockers during the entire school day. This will begin at 8:00 AM.

• Teachers will remind students that personal communication devices must be OFF and AWAY on a regular basis.

• Devices are never allowed to be used in locker rooms, restrooms, or any other space where privacy is expected.

• Students may not capture photographs or video footage of any student or staff without their permission.

*These expectations may not apply in emergency situations.

If a student does not follow our communication device expectations, they will be expected to turn over the device to staff immediately without argument. A referral will be documented in Infinite Campus. The response to the referral will depend on how many prior violations the student has had. Possible outcomes may include loss of privileges, detentions, in-school suspension, or an individual improvement plan. Our hope is to partner with students and families to prevent the need for these steps.

• At no time should a staff member go through or look in a student's cell phone. Legal considerations do apply to administrators with reasonable suspicion.
• The District shall not be responsible for the safety or security of personal electronic equipment that students choose to bring to school. Students who bring any personal electronic device(s) to school do so at their own risk to possible theft, damage, misappropriation of data/equipment, or other loss.
  
• Personal Device infractions may result in an Activities Code violation that could jeopardize participation in an activity or athletic competition.

Student Possession and Use of Personal Electronic Devices 443.5

Gabb and Bark, for example, offer unlimited communication between parents and child, limited text messaging to friends, tracking, and no access to social media.

We understand that this new change may cause some students to feel unsure or anxious. Please know that our student services team is here to help in anyway possible. See the link below with more information about our Student Services Team’s roles and responsibilities.

Additionally, if caregivers and students need to contact each other during the day, our office staff is here to help. Caregivers can always call the main office at 608.437.7306. We will be happy to relay a message to students. Also, if students need to call their caregiver they can come to the office to use our student phone as well.

Why wait until 8th grade? From the Wait Until 8th website, "There is a reason why top Silicon Valley executives are saying no to the smartphone until at least 14 for their children. In fact, there is a long list of reasons and parents need to know them."

How do you start the Wait Until 8th pledge in your community?

Where is the pledge already started?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pledge

Looking for smartphone alternatives?

Paul Christiansen, Middle School Principal

christiansenpaul@mounthorebschools.org

Catie Goninen, Middle School Assistant Principal

goninencatie@mounthorebschools.org