New School Year, New Cell Phone Rules: Here's How to Help Your Child Adjust

New School Year, New Cell Phone Rules: Here's How to Help Your Child Adjust

As we prepare for the launch the 2025-26 school year, we wanted to provide more information regarding the Federal Way Public Schools updated cell phone and electronic device policy for all scholars in preschool through 12th grade.

How We Got Here

The distraction of smart phones and electronic devices has made an impact in schools across the nation. With this new policy, FWPS is taking an intentional step to support scholar learning, mental health, and a positive school environment for all. 

Following OSPI requirement to address cell phone use in schools, we spent the last school year engaging our scholar and parent advisory members, gathering feedback from more than 2,000 responses to surveys from principals, teachers, families, and students, and forming a Cell Phone Policy Committee to review and organize this input. The result is a policy that reflects the needs of our learning environments and voices of our community.
 
Now is when the shift begins — and we are focused on supporting a smooth transition by preparing scholars, staff, and families for implementation this fall.

What You Need To Know

When we return to school in September, scholars in preschool through 12th grade will not be allowed to use their personal cell phones or electronic devices during instructional time.

• Elementary grades: Phones and electronic devices will turned off, set to silent or Do Not Disturb, and put away in backpacks from the start to the end of the day.
• Middle and high school grades: Phones and electronic devices will be put away during instruction time and passing periods, with allowed use only during the scholar’s designated lunch period.
• Parents can contact the school’s main office, if needed. Scholars who need to make a call during the school day must get a pass to use the office phone.
• Students with documented accommodations in a 504 Plan, IEP, or Health Plan may use devices as outlined in their plan.

As we move toward implementing our updated cell phone and electronic device policy this fall, we’re asking families to partner with us to help scholars practice healthy habits so the transition is smoother when school starts.

Supporting Your Student Through Change

We recognize how important cell phones and electronic devices have become in daily life. Here are eight strategies to guide your scholar toward balance and success:

1. Create phone routines and expectations. Develop shared rules about when and where phone use is okay. Have clear guidelines at home, for example, “no phones at dinner” or “devices go on the charger at 9 p.m.” 
2. Make time for screen-free moments. Find specific times of day to unplug, even for fifteen minutes. These quiet moments support rest, conversation, and connection. 
3. Use phone tools to monitor use. Built-in features like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing can help you review app usage and make intentional choices together.
4. Talk openly about technology. Instead of leading with “too much screen time,” try asking: “How do you feel after you’ve been on your phone for a while?” Open-ended conversations build trust and self-awareness.
5. Practice short phone-free sessions. Try 30-minute or one-hour blocks without phones, then gradually extend them to prepare for full class periods without devices.
6. Invite your scholar to notice habits. Encourage them to pause before unlocking their phone and ask: “Why am I checking this right now?” Building mindfulness helps reduce automatic use.
7. Lead by example. Try putting away your phone to be present during these set times. Try tech-free walks, game nights, or reading time.
8. Celebrate the wins. When your scholar sticks to new boundaries, let them know you see the effort. A little encouragement goes a long way in forming long-term habits.

Moving Forward Together

This updated policy is about more than limiting device use — it’s about creating the best possible environment for learning, connection, and well-being. By working together, we can help scholars focus in class, build healthy digital habits, and fully engage in their school community. We appreciate our families’ partnership in this important shift and look forward to a strong start to the school year.

To learn more about the cell phone policy, visit www.fwps.org/cell-phone-policy.