The Enumclaw School District is cracking down on cellphone use during class time.

The district’s Board of Directors discussed updating and enforcing the rules already on the books regarding cellphone use at schools during the July 29 meeting.

According to Deputy Superintendent Jill Burnes, who gave a presentation to the Board about the district’s policies, these rules have been in place since 2004.

But for 20 years, enforcement has been spotty at best — ESD aims to change that, with one of the goals being improved learning in the classroom.

“They say the amount of time it takes you to refocus [from a distraction], on average, is 23 minutes,” Burns said. “That’s happening in class, and you’re constantly districted? That class period is over before you can refocus.”

Another goal is to reduce the “phenomenal increase in anxiety and depression” seen in students, which many believe is cause by social media use.

“Lots of energy and effort in our schools is battling social media posts between kids,” Burns continued, noting studies show that more than a quarter of students between 9 and 16 report having negative online experiences that make them scared, and that one in five children stayed home from school “due to cyber bullying” in 2023.

Other safety and well-bring concerns are that studies show 12% of all students between 16 and 19 encounter “extreme pornography” on their devices, Burns said; that 25% have seen extreme violence content; that 29% student ages 16 to 19 report content related to self-harm; and 45% of students 11 to 17 use “mature only” apps.

Burns said multiple district in Washington have banned cellphone use in some way; various local news sources have reported these districts are seeing some immediate results.

UPDATES AND ENFORCEMENT

Here are the new rules, which start Sept. 13:

High school

At Enumclaw High, devices like phones and earbuds are to be turned off in the classroom and cannot be used in classrooms, the library/media center, common learning areas, or restrooms; exceptions include passing period and lunch.

During instructional time, these devices can’t be stored in a pocket, but put away into a backpack or teacher-approved storage location.

A first violation of these policies is a reminder.

A second violation results in a confiscation of the device, and a student can retrieve it at the end of the day. Refusing to give up their phone results in an automatic third violation.

Parents get involved at a third violation, as they will be required to come to the school office to retrieve a confiscated device.

A fourth violation may result in the device being banned from campus.

All violations will be marked on student records.

Middle school

Unlike high school, phones and earbuds are not allowed during the school day — this includes passing periods and lunch. This means student/parent interaction must be made via the school office.

Additionally, devices must be stored in a locker, not a backpack.

Violations are the same as in high school.

Elementary

Like the middle school rules, all cellphones, plus music playing devices and cameras, must be off during the school day.

Smart watches can stay on, but cannot be used for communication, recording, or games.

A first violation is a reminder of the rules; after a second, watch phones will need to be turned off and put in the backpack during the school day.