Cell Phone Use

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Meridian School District will limit the use of personal electronic devices by requiring devices to be silenced and out of sight during instructional time. Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, smart glasses, and similar devices.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year:

• Elementary school students (preK-5): Personal electronic devices must be silenced and out of sight throughout the school day (sometimes referred to as bell to bell).
• Middle and high school students (6-12): Personal electronic devices must be silenced and out of sight during instructional time.
• Students may continue to carry their devices during the school day.
• Devices may be used only during permitted times.
• Accommodations for students will be honored.

What Devices Are Included?

Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to:

• Cell phones
• Earbuds and headphones
• Smartwatches
• Smart glasses
• Similar electronic devices

Student Expectations

Students will still keep their phone in their possession during the school day. During instructional time, personal electronic devices will be silenced and out of sight (or silenced and stored). This means that personal electronic devices may be stored in a backpack, purse, pocket, locker, or another location where they are not visible or accessible during instruction.

Students are responsible for devices they bring to school.

Device-free zones include bathrooms, locker rooms and other clearly marked and designated areas.

What Does “Silenced and Out of Sight” Mean?

Students may keep devices in their possession during the school day. During instructional time, devices must be stored in a backpack, purse, pocket, locker, or another location where they are not visible or accessible.

Device-Free Areas

All students must keep devices put away in:

• Bathrooms
• Locker rooms
• Other clearly marked device-free areas

Accommodations

Students with medical, disability-related, translation, or other documented needs will continue to receive appropriate accommodations.

What Families Can Expect

Elementary School: Students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during the school day. Families should contact the school office if they need to reach their student.

Middle and High School: Students are not permitted to use devices during instructional time and may not see or respond to messages during class. Families needing to reach a student during instructional time should contact the school office. High school families may also communicate with students through ParentSquare.

Responsibility for Devices

Students are responsible for any personal electronic device brought to school. The district is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to devices brought to school or school-sponsored events.

Why We Are Making This Change?

In alignment with Our Commitments, this policy is intended to:

• Improve focus, engagement, and learning
• Support student mental and physical well-being
• Reduce distractions, social pressures and cyberbullying
• Create safer and healthier learning environments

This change supports our goal of creating an environment where all students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

How the Policy Was Developed?

In June 2025, Meridian School District surveyed students, staff, families and community members regarding Policy 3245 and the use of personal electronic devices in schools. The survey was used to better understand existing school cell phone practices and identify areas for improvement. Over 300 responses were collected, with the majority being parents (209), then staff (68), students (41) and community members (4).

Key themes from the survey included:

• Strong support for reducing classroom distractions
• Support for phone access before and after school and during lunch
• Concerns about consistent enforcement
• Interest in stronger digital citizenship instruction
• The importance of accommodations for student needs

A summary of the feedback gathered.

A staff and principal work group reviewed the feedback and developed updates to policy and procedure 3245. Draft revisions were then reviewed by middle and high school student advisory groups before presenting to the school board.

The school board approved the updated policy and procedure on July 29, 2026.

Looking Ahead

We are committed to continuous improvement and to providing a safe, healthy and welcoming learning environment for students. As the year progresses, we will collect feedback from staff, families and students about our policy and ask if improvements are needed. We will also continue to monitor state guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

We appreciate the partnership of our students, families and staff as we implement these updates. If you have questions about how the policy applies to your student, please contact your school principal.

Policy 3245

Procedure 3245

Device-Free Zone (Sign)

Cell Phone and Smart Device Use in Schools (OSPI)