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Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Cleveland Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Cleveland Laptop Discipline Policy

The majority of computer use needs to be for pursuing educational needs. Outside of this, students need to respect district Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

These policies apply to any devices student use on campus, including but not limited to laptops, cellphones, iPods/iPads, and e-Readers.

The following uses are prohibited at all times at school:

  • Using a proxy to access any prohibited site
  • Use of Facebook / Social Media sites that are not directly assigned by staff
  • Blocked music or video streaming sites
  • Downloading copyrighted material including games, music and video files
  • Viewing pornographic material
  • Bypassing security measures to play games or alter content on the machines
  • Repeated violations of the Acceptable Use Policy

List of Consequences

First Level: Request/Warning

The staff member reminds the student of the rule, and asks them to comply immediately.

Second Level: Restriction of Computer and Web Access

Use of the computer or Internet is limited to ECHO/Google Docs for the remainder of the period. Parents contacted and notified of the nature of the offense.

Third Level: Account is Limited

The account is only given limited hours of access for 2 to 5 days, depending on the severity of the offense. Parents contacted and notified of the nature of the offense.

Fourth Level: Administrative Action

Student meets with the appropriate administrator. These are the possible consequences:

  • Account is disabled for a minimum of 5 days (up to a year)
  • Student is suspended and/or must complete Saturday School/Community Service/other to be determined by administrator
  • Laptop may be revoked for a period of time to be determined by the administrator (up to a year)
  • Administrators may refer the case to the appropriate authorities

*Some violations of the above prohibited uses may require unique and immediate interventions from administrators or other personnel and may result in severe consequences.

Beginning Monday, May 4, 2026 Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

District Updates

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