Elementary and middle school students in Hawaii’s public schools will be barred from using cell phones during school hours beginning with the 2026-27 school year under a new statewide policy adopted Thursday.

Under the policy, high school students will be prohibited from using cell phones during instructional time. Individual schools may decide whether students can use devices before and after school and during breaks, recess, lunch and free periods.

According to the Hawaii Board of Education, the policy aims to balance the benefits of technology with the need to reduce classroom disruptions and promote safe and respectful learning environments.

Exceptions will be allowed in limited circumstances, including during emergencies or perceived safety threats, when devices are authorized for instructional purposes, when required for student health needs as determined by a licensed physician, or when included in a student’s Individualized Education Program.

Board members said consistent enforcement will be key to the effectiveness of the policy, which requires schools to establish clear and progressive consequences for violations.

The Hawaii Department of Education will develop detailed guidance and work with schools on implementation during the upcoming school year.

During Thursday’s board meeting, testifiers, including high school students, expressed support for limiting device use during class time.

“A lot of students definitely appreciated the fact that you give high schoolers a little more leeway, and certain students were very adamant about remaining flexible at the high school level,” said Mia Nishiguchi, a student Board of Education member.

“It is vital that students are living up to the effective usage of technology, especially with many moving onto post-secondary education or the workforce. They are not going to have any cell phone balance there,” she added.

The board’s action follows months of review, including statewide surveys of schools and stakeholder feedback regarding the impact of cell phone use on student learning and well-being.