On January 27, DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto proposed legislation to prohibit cell phones and personal devices during the school day. If passed, the “Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act of 2025” would direct DCPS to implement a policy that bans cell phone use, as well as gaming devices and smart watches.
The bill authorizes educators to allow students to use wireless communication devices for educational purposes during class time. The bill outlines a process for students to get permission to use personal devices in emergencies or for health reasons, and ensures storage for devices is provided. The bill also addresses exceptions for students with Individualized Education Programs or disabilities, allows personal device use during transit to and from school, and requires students to be notified about the policy and its consequences for violations.
In her official press release, Pinto emphasized that her primary focus is to help students shape a successful future. She argued that phone access and social media use have led to increased fights and conflicts. Another major concern for her is academic performance. “One third of DCPS students are reading at grade level and less than one quarter are meeting expectations in math,” said Pinto.
While some DCPS schools, like Alice Deal Middle School, have already banned phones during school hours, JR has not. “I believe our job is to prepare you for life after high school and to be set up for post-secondary success,” said Principal Sah Brown, explaining his reasoning for not banning phones already. He added that “technology can be used to advance student learning and help aid students in their coursework.” However, if the ban is implemented, Brown acknowledged that adjustments will be necessary. “Once DCPS puts out a policy around what cell phone bans look like for DCPS and what schools will be expected to implement, we will be able to create a plan and an approach that is aligned to the guidance,” he stated.
Teachers at JR also have strong opinions on the issue. Deirdia Ward, a teacher for the Academy of Finance at JR, raised concerns about keeping phones allowed in school. “My issue with students having phones during their free periods and lunch time is that they won’t socialize. And one of the things I’m concerned most about young people right now is their inability to interact and socialize with other people,” she explained. Regarding classroom management, Ward enforces strict rules. “I typically make the [student] put the phone on my desk. Checking an email or message here and there is one thing, but when I see you constantly on your phone playing games, [I ask you to] put it on my desk.” She even resorts to extreme measures at times: “I have to be extreme to keep it from happening again, like keeping the phone overnight, and that’s not what I want to do.”
However, students bring up valid concerns, particularly about safety. Junior Nathan Liebman argued that “banning phones would hinder the ability to communicate during an emergency.”
As more schools and districts implement phone bans, there is an increasing possibility that DCPS could ban phones as early as next school year. “Removing distracting devices during the school day will better equip our students to focus, empower our teachers to teach, and ensure that our kids are engaging with one another in person which will benefit them and their outcomes for years to come,” said Pinto.
