Student Access to Cellphones and Wireless Devices AKA “The Cell Phone Law”
Did you know that in 2025 a law went into effect requiring schools to limit student access to cellphones and other wireless devices? House Bill 2484, A.R.S. § 15-120.05
What does this mean?
Starting in the school year of 2025-2026, all public and charter school districts had to set rules and consequences that limited students’ use of phones and other wireless devices during the instructional day. This includes personal and school provided technology.
Wireless devices may include, but are not limited to:
- Cell Phones
- Smart watches
- Meta glasses
- Bluetooth headphones
- iPads or tablets
- Laptops
Does this mean no devices at school ever?
No, the law does not specify a complete ban on devices at school. It required schools to set guidelines on when, where, and how devices may be used throughout the school day. However, there are two noted exceptions:
- Devices may be permitted for educational purposes that are directed and prompted by the teacher, administrator, and or main facilitator.
- An emergency or medical condition that requires student communication or health monitoring.
IMPORTANT: Your school policy may look different from your friend or sibling’s school. For example, some schools may say, “No phones all day.” While another school may permit the use of personal devices during lunch or before school. You can read your school’s policy carefully to stay informed.
Consequences
What happens if a student does not follow the school policy on cellphones and wireless devices? A part of setting rules means setting consequences when those rules are broken.
According to each school district’s established and communicated policy they may take reasonable disciplinary action. *The law does include requiring the school district to notify parents of their Cellphone and Wireless Devices Policy.*
Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.