GILBERT, Ariz. — Beginning this fall, Gilbert Public Schools will ban cellphone use for all K-8 students during the school day, including during passing periods and lunch. The district’s governing board approved the new “away for the day” policy on Tuesday.
Students will be required to keep phones turned off or silenced in their backpacks or lockers throughout the school day. Exceptions will be made only for emergencies or documented medical reasons.
The policy aligns with a new state law signed earlier this year that requires schools to implement some form of cellphone and internet use restrictions.
High school students in the district will still be allowed to use their phones during passing periods and lunch breaks.
Support and reasoning behind the new rule
Supporters of the policy point to research showing that limiting phone use during school helps students stay focused, improves learning outcomes, and reduces online bullying and exposure to harmful content.
Some parents have expressed concern about being unable to contact their children, but the district maintains that parents can reach students through the front office when needed.
The policy is also designed to protect student privacy, limiting internet access without supervision and reducing the likelihood of students’ images or information being shared online.
The cellphone restriction goes into effect for the 2025–26 school year.
