If you’ve ever texted your child during lunch or counted on them to check in at some point during their day, Adams 12’s new cell phone policy might raise some questions and a few eyebrows.
Starting this fall, students across all grade levels will face stricter rules regarding the use of phones, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day.
The policy, which took effect on July 1 and will be enforced when school starts in August, bans personal technology devices entirely during the school day, requiring them to be in either off or silent mode for elementary and middle school students.
High school students have a bit more wiggle room. They can use their phones during lunch, passing periods and open periods, but not during class.
District officials say the move is intended to help students focus and reduce disruptions, bullying, and other issues associated with device use in schools.
What students and families need to know
Students are not allowed to record or take photos of others without permission, use phones to cheat or harass someone or leave class to use their devices. Any action that disrupts or violates the district’s student code of conduct may result in disciplinary action.
First-time violations come with a warning. For parents, the third strike might mean an unexpected trip to school to retrieve a phone. After that, suspension is on the table, and students may lose the right to bring their devices altogether.
And don’t expect the district to track down a lost or stolen phone. Students are fully responsible for keeping their devices secure.
Why the change?
District officials said the updated policy was shaped by an extensive community survey conducted earlier this year, which drew nearly 12,000 responses from students, families and staff.
Eighty-one percent of respondents said phones are somewhat or very disruptive to student learning in the classroom, while 75 percent said cell phones contribute to bullying or threatening behavior during the school day.
More than half (approximately 53 percent) reported that devices were also a problem during unstructured times, such as lunch and passing periods.
At the same time, many families expressed concern about limiting access to phones entirely.
About 67 percent of survey participants said it was important for students to have access to their phones in the event of an emergency, and 60 percent opposed locking up phones in pouches or lockers.
Support for an all-day ban was strongest among elementary families, with 83 percent in favor.
That number dropped to 67 percent for middle school students and 54 percent for high schoolers. Still, a majority (66 percent) supported keeping phones out of high school classrooms, even if they didn’t want a full-day ban.
The change also aligns with a new state law. House Bill 25-1135 requires all public schools in Colorado, including charter schools and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, to adopt and post a student communication device policy by July 1, 2026.
At a minimum, each policy must outline when and where devices are prohibited and include any exceptions. Adams 12’s policy meets those requirements a full year ahead of schedule.
For many parents, the issue isn’t black and white. Some want fewer distractions but still expect their child to be reachable in an emergency. Others worry that uneven enforcement could lead to unnecessary discipline or inequity between classrooms and schools.
Some flexibility still exists
Students who need a phone or other device during the school day for health reasons, a disability or other specific academic support can request an exception. These requests must go through a formal process, either as part of an IEP or 504 plan, or by submitting a written request to school leadership.
District administrators and principals also have the authority to impose additional restrictions as needed.
As the new school year begins, parents are encouraged to review their school’s individual rules, discuss expectations with their students, and contact administrators with any concerns or special circumstances.