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Anchorage School Board adopts stricter policy restricting student cell phone use during instructional time
Summary
The Anchorage School Board adopted revisions to BP 5138 that restrict students' possession and use of portable electronic devices during class time; the policy passed 7-0 and directs administration to write implementing rules including procedures for safe storage of confiscated devices.
The Anchorage School Board on March 1 approved a revised district policy limiting students' access to personal electronic devices during the school day, voting 7-0 to adopt Board Policy 5138.
The change narrows when and where students may use cell phones and similar devices and directs district administrators to write regulations for enforcement and for “safe storage of confiscated devices.” The policy passed unanimously after several board members said research and local school experiences showed unrestricted device access has harmed instruction and student wellbeing.
Board member Lisonbee, who led the board's drafting work on the revision, said the updated policy reflects stakeholder input and differing needs by grade level. The board and administration worked from a draft that, in general terms, restricts K-8 student access to devices during instructional time and allows secondary students controlled access outside instruction — for example, at lunch and between classes — subject to local school rules and administrative regulation.
The board cited multiple reasons for the change during the discussion: evidence cited by members that unrestricted device use can increase anxiety and distract students, requests from teachers and principals for clearer district guidance, and recent state-level proposals to require more restrictive local rules.
Board member Higgins said she supported the policy after listening to staff and community input. “It has my total support,” she said during the meeting.
The student advisory board also weighed in during the drafting process, prompting one specific addition: school officials must create procedures that reduce the risk of damage or loss when staff collect devices. Board member Wences described the change to colleagues: student members “expressed concern. What happens to my cell phone if it's taken from me and somebody breaks it or drops it when it's not in my possession?” The policy now directs administrators to adopt a regulation for secure storage of confiscated devices.
Officials acknowledged the limits of a single policy to address every classroom circumstance. The board left some discretion to principals to determine how to implement the ban in their schools and authorized the superintendent to develop the implementing rules. Board members also discussed vendor solutions such as lock pouches used by some districts; several members said such purchases would require dedicated funding.
The policy was introduced as ASDB memorandum 107 and was approved in a roll-call vote of seven in favor, none opposed. Administrators said they will circulate the implementing administrative regulation to schools and will return with clarifying guidance to principals and families.
The board's action is intended to standardize district practices while giving principals tools to manage devices in their buildings and address student concerns about the safety of confiscated devices.
Ending
With the vote concluded, administrators will draft the implementing regulation and provide principals and families with timelines and guidance. The district also said it will track feedback from schools as the policy is applied next school year.
