Guide

Student-Powered Cell Phone Policy Starter Kit

Purpose

How to Design Cell Phone Policies with Students

Audience

School and District Administrators

Suggested Use

For schools and districts designing, implementing, and monitoring cell phone policies with students.

Time Needed

Varies

When students perceive that they have a voice in school decision-making, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and academically successful.

Dana Mitra 2004

Introduction

More and more states are adopting bell-to-bell cell phone bans, hoping to create more engaged learning. But here’s the catch: Success doesn’t come from the ban alone. It comes from how policies are designed and implemented with students. When adults and students co-design how a policy works, everyone builds ownership, equity, and trust.

Student-Powered Cell Phone Policy Starter Kit

Use the Kit as a conversation starter with your leadership team or as a planning guide with students to ensure your policy is clear, consistent, and equitable.