Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
A More Social, Less Media Initiative
At District 51, we remain committed to creating learning environments that prioritize uninterrupted instructional time, student engagement, meaningful conversations, and face-to-face interactions. Our goal is to foster spaces where students can focus, build relationships, and fully participate in their school community. Over the past several years, our More Social, Less Media work and updated technology expectations have helped reduce distractions during the school day and encourage stronger in-person connections among students.
As part of the 2026–27 school year, District 51 will launch More Social, Less Media 2.0 and move to a consistent cell phone expectation across all grade levels, PreK through 12th grade. For the past two years, elementary and middle schools have operated under a no-cell-phone-use model during the school day, while high schools have allowed limited use during passing periods and at lunch. During that time, we continued studying the impact of personal devices through both local experiences and national research. What we consistently found is that even limited access during the school day can affect students' focus, peer connections, and overall well-being.
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, all D51 schools will follow a consistent expectation of no student cell phone use from the first bell to the last bell. We believe a clear, consistent expectation across all grade levels is the best way to support learning, strengthen school culture, and help students be more present throughout the school day.
A link to the updated policy will be provided once the policy is formally finalized.
expectations and guidelines
Policy JICJ - Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices
PreK - 12th Grade: Students are prohibited from using personal electronic devices on school premises during the designated school day. All devices must be kept in designated areas and turned off.
- Phones off, learning on: Keep all personal electronic devices out of sight during school hours or during instructional time.
- Use school resources: Utilize school-provided technology for educational purposes.
- Focus on face-to-face: We’re giving you back the value of time. Engage in conversations and activities face-to-face and without distractions from phones.
- Emergency use only: Phones may be used in emergencies with staff permission.
D51 values communication and collaboration, and we realize that achieving this goal requires collective action. Understanding the negative impact of technology overuse on children and adults is crucial, and by recognizing these issues, we can make informed changes to promote a healthy childhood. We look forward to partnering with our D51 families, students, and staff to implement these changes for the 2026-27 school year.
If you have questions regarding the new Student Cell Phone Use Policy, please contact your child's school or our Communications Department.
A link to the finalized policy will be provided once
More Social, Less Media
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the updated Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices Policy Mean?
- Why was this policy updated?
- When does this policy take effect?
- Are there any exceptions to this policy?
- What happens if a student is caught using their cell phone during school hours?
- Can students use their cell phones during lunch or breaks?
- How can parents reach their children during the school day?
- What should students do if they need to use their cell phones for educational purposes?
- How will this policy be enforced?
- How can students and parents provide feedback on the updated policy?
What does the updated Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices Policy Mean?
Why was this policy updated?
When does this policy take effect?
Are there any exceptions to this policy?
What happens if a student is caught using their cell phone during school hours?
Can students use their cell phones during lunch or breaks?
How can parents reach their children during the school day?
What should students do if they need to use their cell phones for educational purposes?
How will this policy be enforced?
How can students and parents provide feedback on the updated policy?
Additional Resources
