ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A new school year means new changes — including revisions to an Anchorage School District policy surrounding mobile devices on school campuses.
ASD’s “Bring Your Own Device” guidelines – according to its handbook – now state that devices “may not be used during class time unless approved by the school principal.”
However, the new policy will look different from school to school. Some, including Eagle River High School, will be adopting an “Away all day” policy.
In a letter addressed to parents, ERHS Principal Tim Helvey wrote that cell phone use will not be allowed on campus during school hours, including passing periods and lunchtime. Instead, students will be asked to leave their cell phones in their lockers, cars, or at home.
“Our mission at Eagle River High School is to build a focused, respectful and connected school community that supports the long-term growth of every student,” the letter said in part. “If families need to reach their student during the school day, they may do so by contacting our front office.”
Some parents oppose the new policy, citing safety concerns.
“I think that could potentially be dangerous or harmful, especially considering there’s different consequences that could happen during the school day that the kids need to reach out to their parents or even a teacher, or the school themselves,” Estee Abrams said. “I worry that a child could be harmed, or they could harm themselves if they don’t have access to something.”
During a December meeting, School Board President Andy Holloman told Alaska’s News Source that schools that had already revised cell phone policies have benefited from implementing more restrictions.
“Generally, it sounds like they’re being very successful in that, getting really good results out of it,” he said at the time. “We want to take what’s working in our schools, make a policy to apply across the district.”
STrEaM Academy (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, and Math), an ASD charter school, began requiring students to place cell phones in locked pouches in fall 2024. The school’s principal, Adam Mokelke, told Alaska’s News Source last September that the change led to a 90% decrease in phone-related discipline issues.
District policy states that electronic devices “may be approved on a case-by-case basis… When required as an approved medical device or for specific academic needs,” including an individualized education program (IEP) or language translation.
ASD said in response to a request for comment that no one was available to provide additional comments on Tuesday.
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