Edmonds School District to ramp up enforcement of student phone use restrictions

The Edmonds School District will ramp up enforcement of its telecommunications device policy for the 2025-26 school year, partnering with the Edmonds Education Association. The initiative seeks to address inconsistent enforcement across schools and grade levels, allowing device usage only before school, during lunch, and after school. Elementary and middle schools may implement stricter rules, potentially banning device use during lunch or recess. Violations will lead to confiscation, with parents required to retrieve the devices from the office. The district highlighted that effective policy enforcement is essential for reducing distractions and fostering a better learning environment.

Staff will receive annual training on the policy, ensuring they are equipped to handle enforcement challenges. The district will maintain open communication with families through newsletters and presentations to reinforce the policy. Acknowledging exceptions for health-related device use, the district will work with school nurses to manage these cases accordingly.