Cell Phone and Device Policy

Per TUHSD Governing Board Policy (JICJ) and Arizona State Law (ARS § 15-120.05), cell phones are not allowed to be used during class time.

• Phones must be placed in the classroom phone locker as soon as you enter the room. You may pick up your phone when you leave.

• All other electronics (headphones, tablets, portable game consoles) must be silent and stored in your backpack (not in your pocket) before entering the room.

• Smartwatches should only be used to check the time, not for texting, calls, or apps.

If your parent or guardian needs to reach you, they should call the front office, not your cell phone. Calling or texting them on your device during class is still a violation of this rule.

If you use a personal device during class, the security office may be contacted, and your device may be confiscated as stated in school policy.

In alignment with our school-wide expectations and governing board policy JICJ, personal devices, including cell phones, headphones, and other personal electronic devices are not permitted in my classroom. This decision is grounded in the idea that student learning comes first, and relies on the growing body of scientific research that shows that personal devices, specifically cell phones, harm student learning.

Research

This is not a decision made out of the idea of control, rather what is in the best interest of student learning. 

Studies consistently show that removing phones from the classroom improves academic outcomes, especially for students who may need the most support. One study involving over 130,000 students found that schools banning phones saw measurable gains in test scores, with the most significant improvements among struggling students (Beland & Murphy, 2016). A U.S. study found that even when students didn’t use phones themselves, being in a phone-friendly classroom negatively impacted their exam performance and long-term retention (Glass & Kang, 2018).

Additionally, school communities that have implemented similar policies have seen improvements in classroom behavior, increased engagement, and stronger academic outcomes (Yondr, 2024). These results reflect our shared vision of maintaining a classroom culture rooted in respect, growth, and high expectations for every Lobo.

Headphone use, even for music, has also been shown to interfere with learning. Research indicates that music—especially songs with lyrics—reduces students’ ability to retain information and understand what they read (Perham, 2010). Prohibiting headphone use during instruction helps students stay engaged with their peers, the content, and the learning process.

Medical Devices

If your student uses a medical device connected to their phone (such as a glucose monitor), accommodations will absolutely be made. Students needing phone access for health-related reasons may use their devices after appropriate documentation is submitted and approved by the school nurse. Please contact the nurse’s office to begin that process if needed.

This policy is about supporting the success of every student. 

I appreciate your partnership as we work together to build the habits and focus that will empower all Lobos to thrive—in biology class and beyond.

Sources

• Beland, L.-P., & Murphy, R. (2016). Ill Communication: Technology, Distraction & Student Performance. Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics. (Link)

• Glass, A. L., & Kang, M. (2018). Dividing attention in the classroom reduces exam performance. Educational Psychology. (Link)

• Perham, N. (2010). Can preferred music impair cognitive performance? Applied Cognitive Psychology. (Link)

• Yondr. (2024). Impact of phone-free learning environments on student engagement and outcomes. (Link)