The Hamilton County Board of Education (HCBE) is set to implement a strict cell phone policy, effective October 1, 2025, which prohibits students from using phones and personal devices during the entire school day. Under the new guidelines, students must store their devices in airplane mode or turned off during all school activities, including classes, lunch, transitions, and bathroom breaks.
This new policy goes further than Tennessee’s existing law, which only restricts cell phone use during instructional time. Exceptions will be made for students with medical needs or emergencies, provided they obtain administrative approval.
The HCBE approved the policy with a 7-4 vote, despite some board members expressing concerns about the necessity of posting reminders in schools. The enforcement of the policy will be the responsibility of school administration, which will implement escalating penalties for violations.
First offenses will result in the confiscation of devices until the end of the day. Subsequent offenses will lead to increasingly severe consequences, including a three-day hold requiring parent pickup, a seven-day ban, and a 30-day suspension of device use on campus for repeated infractions.
While the policy aims to reduce distractions and improve student engagement, concerns have been voiced regarding parental responsibility and the ability to communicate with students during emergencies. Nevertheless, the district hopes this initiative will help tackle issues such as cyberbullying and foster a more focused learning environment for all students.
