Mat-Su School Board approves restrictions on student phones & similar devices during school hours

PALMER, Alaska (KTUU) - A restriction on cell phone use in the classroom was passed Wednesday for all students in the Mat-Su Borough School District.

In a regular school board meeting Wednesday night, the rule was passed in a unanimous vote.

Beginning next school year, the restrictions would require school employees to limit student’s use of mobile phones and similar devices during instructional hours, including lunch and passing periods throughout the district.

The rule is meant to limit distractions in the classroom and promote focus toward learning, according to the new policy, which will go into effect in August, when the new school year begins.

The policy does allow for a few exceptions, which may be considered to these guidelines, including “translation purposes, in the event of an emergency, or when an administrator grants permission to use a wireless telecommunications device for educational purposes as approved by the superintendent or through administrative regulation.”

In September 2024, Palmer High School, Palmer Junior Middle School, and Su Valley Jr/Sr High School issued locking pouches to students to keep their phones from being used during the school day, but that policy was later determined to not be necessary.

The school board says staff members were still able to discipline students who used their phones during instructional time.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify some language regarding the new restrictions on students having cell phones in schools.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.