Pullman Public Schools

In today’s digital age, smartphones have become nearly ubiquitous among students. While technology can offer valuable educational tools, its overuse in the classroom is proving to be a significant distraction from learning. Research highlights how pervasive smartphone use can negatively impact student focus, participation, and overall educational outcomes.

A recent study by Common Sense Media revealed that 97% of students use their phones during school hours, with an average usage of 43 minutes per day. The Journal of Media Education reported that nearly 60% of students admitted to spending over 10% of class time on their phones, a trend that can significantly diminish engagement in academic activities.

The sheer volume of distractions is staggering. More than 50% of students receive an average of 237 notifications per day, with some students receiving as many as 4,500 notifications daily, according to the Common-Sense Media report. Shockingly, 23% of these notifications occur during school hours, further disrupting the learning environment.

The impact of smartphones extends beyond academics. Social media usage is nearly universal, with 40% of 8-12-year-olds and 95% of teenagers active on platforms, according to the Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Teenagers spend nearly five hours a day on social media apps, as cited by the American Psychological Association, raising concerns about mental health and well-being.

With these alarming statistics in mind, Pullman School District's Board of Directors revised the student mobile device policy and procedure to minimize distractions, promote positive behavior, and improve student educational outcomes. By reducing unnecessary phone use in the classroom, we hope to create a more focused and supportive learning environment.

• Elementary and middle schools will be mobile device-free during school hours, unless in an emergency or authorized by an administrator.
• The high school will be mobile device-free during classroom time. Devices may be used before school, after school, at lunch, and during passing periods, but not during instructional time unless in an emergency or authorized by an administrator.
• Students may access their mobile devices to manage their documented medical condition in accordance with the student’s health care provider orders and/or other written IEP, 504, or Health Care Plans, or for use as a language access device.

School staff will allow access to mobile devices at the appropriate time and when it is safe to do so. Our staff is trained to handle several different emergency events. It is imperative in an emergency, that students focus on the information being provided by the trained adult and that will include when it is safe to access/use their mobile devices.

Students may access their mobile devices to manage their documented medical condition in accordance with the student’s health care provider orders and/or other written IEP, 504, or Health Care Plans. School administrators may also authorize a student to use a mobile device as needed.

If your student requires an accommodation to access their mobile device for a documented medical condition or other need, please contact your school administrator to discuss options.

• Elementary and middle school students can access their mobile device before and after school hours.
• High school students can access their mobile devices before school, after school, at lunch, and during passing periods.
• Families can call or email the front office and ask for a note to be delivered to the student.

If a student violates the mobile device policy/procedure:

• Initial Offenses: The student will receive a warning and a reminder of the rules. This may include confiscating the device, which will be returned at the end of the class period or the school day.

• Repeated Offenses: For repeated violations, the device will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Parents or guardians will be notified. If the violations continue, a meeting may be scheduled with the student and their parent or guardian to discuss a success plan. Additionally, appropriate interventions and disciplinary actions may be applied as necessary.

Like with any concern, we encourage families and community members to start with administrators at their school. If the concern is not resolved, the matter can be brought to the district office and superintendent.