Phone-Free Kodiaks

Recording the world. Mylee Hobbs (12) uses a notebook and voice recorder to listen to an interview in Publications. With phones banned in school, students are turning to other methods to complete tasks. Photo Credit: Avery Houghton

In 2025, the Cascade School District implemented a new policy regarding the use of personal cellphones in schools. High school administration went a step further by banning phones as soon as students enter the buildings—regardless of whether school is in session. The ban took effect at the start of the 2025–26 school year and applies to all schools in the district. 

According to Cascade School District Policy: “Cascade School District believes social media and constant access to personal technology devices creates a significant barrier to students’ learning in school. Therefore, to foster the learning environment we desire and promote healthy social and emotional development, Cascade School District will prohibit access to personal cellphones, smartwatches, [and] wireless headphones during the school day.” 

CHS Principal James Swanson offered insight into the rollout process: “The main challenge that is seen in most schools is the adjustment period when the initiative is put in motion. Other districts have tried to initiate this type of policy without working with their community, and it has been a struggle,” Swanson said. “For us, this has been a three-year process, and I feel that we gave our community time to work through the emotions that come from a policy like this. Our students and staff have responded incredibly well, and as I have talked with other colleagues around the state, our rollout has been viewed as a huge success. Again, this is because our students and staff are the best around. I am proud of our school community and the way in which we are all working together.” 

While the policy was not a major adjustment for elementary and middle schools, it marked a significant shift for the high school. From the time students enter the building until 3 p.m., personal cellphones, smartwatches, and wireless headphones must be stored in backpacks. Devices may not be used during passing periods, Flex time, or lunch under any circumstances. 

As the 2025–26 school year gets underway, students and staff are noticing the effects of the ban. Most students, like Parker Hollatz (12), acknowledge both benefits and drawbacks. “I think that it's a bad but also good thing,” Hollatz said. “I’ve been finding myself doing more work than I would have last year if I was on my phone. But it's also kind of annoying because if I want to do something quick—like check an email from a college or classwork that I can only access on my phone—I can’t. So, it's annoying at some points, but it does help you work better.” 

Teachers have noted improved work efficiency and focus in class. “This is one of the first years since I’ve been here that I see students meet hard deadlines,” CHS English teacher Mr. Weil said. “They are not as distracted as previous years.” 

Students are slightly more hesitant about these benefits. In class there are “not really [benefits],” Ingrid Stockman (11) said. “There are still kids who are off task—they're just off task with each other now.” 

Students are slightly more hesitant about these benefits. In class there are “not really [benefits],” Ingrid Stockman (11) said. “There are still kids who are off task—they're just off task with each other now.” 

However, students like Stockman have observed increased social interaction during free time. “With the phone ban, I’ve noticed students interacting with each other more, leading to new friendships,” she said. 

Stockman also noted drawbacks for other stakeholders. “Parents are unhappy that they can’t communicate with their children and feel like they’re losing control. [For teachers] it’s an inconvenience to routines they’ve had in previous years. The phone ban is pushing students away from CHS.” 

Some students rely on phones to manage personal organization. “I really struggle with being able to remember things, so having a phone is really important for me to remember meetings, reminders, tasks and lists,” said Renn Pobst (11). “Having it taken away is making it really difficult for me to do all of those things.” 

Others face challenges accessing school resources. “In certain classes, the school computer blocks something that you need to access. Having your phone readily available can help with that. It’s convenient to use as a tool. The school computers can be really slow,” said Jorgen Palmer (12). 

The policy has also created logistical and financial issues. Schoolwide surveys now require paper copies, increasing waste, and students can no longer scan QR codes for digital forms. Additionally, students must purchase wired headphones compatible with school-issued devices, since wireless headphones are banned. Many students relied on Bluetooth headphones, especially with noise-canceling features, to maintain focus. “The fact we can’t use Bluetooth is really hard too,” Pobst said. “My wired headphones don’t have noise-canceling capability, so it makes it difficult for me to focus solely on what I’m doing [in class].” 

Parent-student communication has also been affected. Parents who previously relied on phones to coordinate schedules or report emergencies must now go through the front office, potentially delaying communication. 

Despite challenges, students and staff hope the policy will evolve. “I hope that as the year goes on, we can adjust the policy to better fit the needs of all students and staff while still achieving the goals it set out to accomplish,” said Palmer.