Lawrence schools report sharp drop in visible student cell phones as district moves to ‘cell‑phone‑free’ classrooms

The Lawrence Board of Education Monday heard a progress report on the district’s policy to make classrooms “cell‑phone‑free” during instructional time and what administrators described as early, measurable reductions in visible phones in secondary classrooms.

"Classrooms will be cell phone free during the instructional day to ensure a productive, respectful, and safe learning environment throughout the district," Dr. Janice Swift, superintendent, told the board during the update.

District leaders said the third quarter of the school year focused on learning and practice and that the fourth quarter is full implementation. JC Roberson, director of elementary schools, and Dr. Wayman Irvin, director of secondary schools, reported observations, walkthrough data and next steps for elementary, middle and high schools.

The district reported walkthrough comparisons at the high schools: in December 2024, Lawrence High School observations showed phones visible in 39% of students visited (75 phones visible among 445 students); a February follow‑up showed phones visible in 3% of students (13 visible). Free State showed a drop from 25% visible (87 phones among 340 students in December) to 2% (4 visible among 221 students in February).

"It's only effective because everyone is consistently enforcing it," a high‑school staff member quoted in the district’s survey responses wrote in the report compiled for the board; the presentation included multiple staff comments praising the policy for reducing behavior problems and classroom power struggles.

At the elementary level, Roberson said staff are developing a progressive guidance document for preschool through fifth grade, reporting that screen use is highest during indoor recess and preferred‑activity time. Administrators said teachers asked for support with engagement strategies and non‑tech small‑group management. Roberson said the elementary team is “pretty close” to an updated guidance document and described goals emphasizing play, teacher‑led learning, face‑to‑face interaction, and structured, project‑based use of technology in upper elementary to prepare students for middle school.

Middle schools reported a district consensus that phones should not be visible; principals have restricted cell phones in lunchrooms and some schools implemented conversation cards to prompt in‑person discussion during meals.

District leaders outlined next steps including refining progressive grade‑level expectations, sustaining enforcement over time and engaging the school community about the research base and rationale for the policy. Dr. Wayman Irvin said the percentage of students who struggle with putting phones away is small but that secondary staff plan a learning cycle to support those students.

Administrators framed the policy as a support for instruction and student wellbeing rather than an expression of opposition to phones themselves. "It's not because we dislike cell phones. It's because we love and prioritize the critical mission of our teachers and our staff during that instructional time," Swift said.

Board members asked about necessary resources and whether eliminating device use during preferred activity time had been discussed; Roberson said staff are considering materials such as board games and manipulatives and will request support if needed.

District materials to the board indicate ongoing monitoring and plans for community education (book studies, screenings and parent outreach) to sustain the change.