What the Law Requires:
Senate Bill 139 goes into effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to all public school districts.
For the 2025-2026 school year, each school district Board of Education shall adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices while on the campus of a public school district from bell-to-bell (Makes exceptions for medical needs).
The law addresses use, not possession.
Goes into effect July 1, 2025.
What’s Changing?
Beginning July 1, 2025, students will follow these expectations from bell to bell (click here for the WHPS policy):
Not Allowed to be Used During the School Day:
Cell phones
Smartwatches
Earbuds or headphones
iPods or smart glasses
Any device that connects to a network
Use of personal electronic devices is prohibited by students on the school campus from bell to bell (start to end of instructional day, including lunch and passing).
Includes any personal electronic device that can connect to a smartphone, internet, cellular/Wi-Fi, or similar device (smart watches, smart headphones, tablets, smart glasses, etc.)
Does NOT include school-issued or school-approved instructional devices.
Violations may result in disciplinary action and will be handled according to the student code of conduct under noncompliance.
Why This Matters
When devices are away, students:
Stay more focused in class
Build stronger relationships
Perform better academically
We’re not just turning off devices, we’re turning on learning.
What Students Should Know
Bringing a phone is a personal choice. Western Heights Public Schools is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Devices must be out of sight and turned off during instructional time, including hallways, restrooms, and passing periods.
Repeated violations will result in disciplinary consequences as outlined in the WHPS Student Handbook.