Student survey: about 77% of respondents view the school phone ban negatively

What happened

A survey presented to the board on May 6, 2026 had 831 student respondents. About 77% had an overall negative attitude toward the ban on phones and other internet devices during the school day. About 62% disagreed that they feel less distracted, and about 57% did not think the ban improved the learning environment. Students asked to use phones in free periods.

Why it matters to families

Under Policy 5695, phones and similar devices are barred all day, including lunch and passing time. Elementary students may not bring them, and AMD and OHS students must keep them in lockers. State law requires the ban, so the district's room to change it is limited. Parents surveyed separately (191 responses, undated) mostly back the ban.

The evidence

The presentation lists 831 respondents and the percentages above. The district's parent survey results show 60.2% strongly support and 15.2% somewhat support the ban, and 54.5% say device use affects learning very negatively. The survey does not say which grades responded. Trustees said in January and March 2026 that the ban seems to help engagement at OHS.

The source