The 2025-2026 school year began with a huge change for all students. This year, they would begin cracking down on phone usage in school by immediately taking any phones seen during class time with no warning. It’s now two months into the year and how has this changed student’s attitude about electronics and even their grades.
For a quick refresher, at the start of the year, the Edmonds School District cracked down on their no cell phone policy, making it mandatory to enforce. The policy states that whenever a student is seen with their phone or any form of cellular device out in class, it is to be taken by the teacher, placed in a bag, and given to the school’s main office. The device is then only to be reclaimed by a parent or guardian.
This policy was intended to make students focus more on their classes and become less dependent on their devices. How has that turned out, and how do the students and teacher’s opinions differ?
History teacher Michole Mattix has said that she has primarily seen positive changes in her classes following the ban. In previous years, she would have to fight her classes to put their devices away, but is now able to “Start the class with a warm welcome” and a “Hello how is everybody?” On top of this, she feels as though she’s getting more completed work. She also feels that her classes are having more academic conversations and are generally more focused in class. There has also been little to no reminders to put away devices in class. She ended by saying that teaching ninth grade she sees her students more focused on learning and social skills, making this a “fabulous” change to the school.
English teacher Peter White has similar thoughts, stating that he’s noticed a “lot less distraction.”
He notes that in the past a large number of his students were on their phone during class. However he also states that students who usually wouldn’t do work are still continuing not to. However, he stated that it is easier to get these students to start their work now that they’re not on their phones. He says “compliance is good” but kids are already beginning to attempt sneaking things like earbuds into class while engaged with their phone in some manner. He also states that the policy is “for the better, absolutely” and looks forward to “a future where kids don’t even think about their phones.”
