🦅DKIES: Important Update: New Statewide Cell Phone Policy for the 2026-27 School Year
Supporting safe, focused, and engaging learning environments for our students is always a top priority. As cell phone use has become more common among students, schools are seeing the challenges that constant digital access can create during the school day. We are taking steps to help students stay focused in class and strengthen in-person connections at school.
Beginning with the first day of instruction for the 2026-27 school year, all Hawai‘i State Department of Education schools will implement a new statewide cell phone policy adopted by the Hawai‘i State Board of Education (Board).
What this means for your student:
For elementary and middle/intermediate schools: Cell phones must remain off and away during the entire school day — from the first bell to the last bell. Phones should be stored in student backpacks or designated classroom storage areas.
Please see the attached formal letter for more detailed information regarding this policy.