Colorado’s K-12 school districts are weighing new cellphone policies — including potential “bell-to-bell” bans — after a state law passed in April requires all districts to adopt regulations on student cellphone use by July 1, 2026.
The law, House Bill 25-1135, does not require a statewide ban but gives districts the power to decide whether to limit phones during the school day and how strict those policies should be.
Why It’s Happening
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Lawmakers acted amid rising concerns over youth mental health and the role of smartphones and social media.
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Research increasingly links cellphone use to higher rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and academic struggles among students.
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At least 26 states have already passed similar laws, and 74% of U.S. adults support cellphone bans in middle and high school classrooms, according to Pew Research.
Where Colorado Districts Stand
Denver Public Schools (DPS) – Colorado’s largest district
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Currently allows schools to set their own phone rules.
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Two schools already have full bans.
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DPS leaders are debating whether to create one districtwide policy or keep school-level flexibility.
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Superintendent Alex Marrero voiced concerns over emergency situations, student bingeing after school, and parental pushback.
Boulder Valley School District (BVSD)
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Among the strictest in the state.
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Implemented a “bell-to-bell” ban in elementary and middle schools in 2019 and expanded it to high schools in 2024.
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Introduced pingpong tables, games, and activities to help students socialize without phones.
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Students report better focus, more connections, and improved academic productivity since the ban.
St. Vrain Valley Schools
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Currently allows phones during lunch and passing periods.
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A new policy is being drafted that may ban phones during class time while still offering some flexibility.
Jeffco Public Schools & Douglas County Schools
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No districtwide bans yet.
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Allow individual schools to decide policies.
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Jeffco is studying campus phone use and plans to present a formal proposal by spring 2026.
Englewood Schools
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Board members received copies of Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation” to guide policy talks.
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Expected to adopt a plan by March 2025.
The Debate Over Full Bans
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Supporters argue bans reduce distractions, improve mental health, and help students engage socially.
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Opponents worry about:
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Emergency communication — especially during school shootings.
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Students compensating with increased phone use after school.
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Loss of phones as educational tools for surveys, research, and collaboration.
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Some experts, like psychologists at Children’s Hospital Colorado, suggest schools should pair any restrictions with digital literacy programs to teach students healthy habits rather than rely solely on bans.
What’s Next
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Districts must finalize policies by July 1, 2026.
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Many are expected to pilot cellphone restrictions starting in 2025.
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The Colorado Attorney General’s office has already provided $270,000 in grants to districts testing phone-free strategies.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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