Hawai‘i Board of Education adopts new statewide policy on student cellphone use

February 15, 2026 - 15:39

The Hawai‘i State Board of Education has enacted a sweeping new policy designed to minimize cellphone distractions in public schools across the islands. The unanimous vote establishes a uniform, statewide framework that will take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

The policy mandates that student cellphones be silenced and stored out of sight during instructional time for all grade levels. For elementary and middle school students, devices must be kept in backpacks or designated storage for the entire school day. High school students will operate under a "away for the day" model, though individual schools may allow limited use during non-class times like lunch, at their discretion.

The decision follows extensive research and public testimony highlighting concerns over cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and the significant disruption phones cause to the learning environment. Proponents argue that reducing screen time will foster increased student engagement, improve academic focus, and promote more face-to-face social interaction.

School complexes will now develop specific implementation plans aligned with the new statewide rules, ensuring a consistent approach to reclaiming classroom attention while addressing necessary communication between students and families.