DC Public Schools (DCPS) announced a ban on personal cellphone use beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, aimed at enhancing student focus and addressing low academic performance that has been exacerbated post-pandemic. Supporters believe this policy will mitigate the distractions caused by smartphones in classrooms and foster better social interactions. However, opponents raise concerns about safety, fearing that such restrictions could hinder students’ ability to communicate with families during emergencies, especially in light of school shootings.
"We've been recognizing the body of research around this issue that suggests smartphone use and devices have been detrimental to the school environment," says Lewis Ferebee, the Chancellor of DCPS.
"Removing distracting devices during the school day will better equip our students to focus, empower our teachers to teach, and ensure that our kids are engaging with one another in person which will benefit them and their outcomes for years to come," says DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto.
"Students should not be cut off from the ability to contact their families or authorities," Tiffani Nichole Johnson, a parent and the 4B06 ANC Commissioner, said in submitted to the Council in March.
Nationally, about three-quarters of high school teachers and a third of middle school teachers say distractions from cellphones are a 'major problem' in their classroom.
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