Arizona House Bill 2484, A.R.S. § 15-120.05 requires all public and charter schools across the state to limit student access to cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day.
Salt River Schools will comply with this law and enforce a new policy on all campuses, including the Accelerated Learning Academy, Salt River Elementary School, and the Early Childhood Education Center, as well as our school buses.
Under this policy, which the Education Board approved August 4, students are permitted to use their cell phone or personal device during class if:
- The use is for educational purposes, as directed by Salt River Schools staff
- There is an emergency
- The device is needed to address a medical condition
In short: Students must keep phones and devices “Silent & Stored” during instructional time, on field trips, and on the school bus, unless one of these three exceptions applies. Classrooms and school busses will have special cubbies or pockets for students to store their devices.
Each school will have its own guidelines for when students are allowed to use personal devices; for instance, ALA students may be allowed to use their phone between classes and at lunch, but SRES students are limited to using their phone before or after school only; phone use is not allowed on the school bus or during Eagles Club.
Additionally, the law now requires schools to restrict access to social media platforms on school internet networks, unless those sites are being used for educational purposes.
Education leaders expect these changes to have a positive impact on student engagement and success. Reducing screen time during the school day supports mental well-being, boosts academic performance, and encourages stronger connections. Salt River Schools staff and visitors will be encouraged to model appropriate cell phone use for students.
“At Salt River Schools, we want to build strong futures and even stronger relationships for the youth of this Community, and that means providing them with distraction-free learning environments,” said Superintendent Sheryl Houston. “We need everyone’s help to comply with this new law. We look forward to partnering with staff, students, and families to enforce policies meant to help us create spaces for growth and thrivance.”
Families are encouraged to discuss the new law and school expectations with students and help reinforce the importance of staying focused during class time. Click here to read the Board-approved policy.
