SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Students in the Central Valley School District are finishing their first week of classes with things looking a little different.
The district adopted a new cell phone policy that is stricter for high school students, banning phone use during most of the school day. Students are allowed to use their phones only during lunch, with permission from an administrator, or in emergencies.
“A lot of people are somewhat frustrated and annoyed by it,” said Gavin Ahmuda, a senior at University High. While he thinks the policy will benefit University High in the long run, the implementation of it has been an adjustment.
“People are already talking about, ‘Oh, I need to figure out a new system.’ Some people have started writing things on their hand,” Ahmuda said.
Students at Ridgeline High School, another school in the district, have had an easier time adapting to the new rules.
“Honestly, I think it’s gone back to what middle school was like in elementary school,” said Ridgeline senior Jane Livingston.
Ridgeline piloted a cell phone regulation last year that inspired the current policy. For Livingston, the changes have made high school more enjoyable.
While Ahmuda hasn’t seen much change in the school environment yet, he has noticed it in the classroom. “I think an increased emphasis on keeping cell phones away has resulted in greater engagement in learning and conversation,” he said.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
