The role of cell phones and other smart devices in schools has been an elevated topic of discussion for parents, educators, and lawmakers across Utah (and the country). As we prepare for the 2025-26 school year, new statewide legislation will bring changes to how cell phones and other devices are managed in classrooms, and throughout the school day. We want to help Murray parents understand these updates.

Shifting the Default: Senate Bill 178

The most impactful change comes from Senate Bill 178 (SB 178) – Devices in Public Schools, which went into effect on July 1, 2025. This new law directly addresses the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other emerging technologies by students during school hours.

Previously, the state’s stance on cell phone use in schools was largely silent, meaning districts and individual schools had full autonomy to set their own policies, often defaulting to allowing phones unless specifically restricted. SB 178 flips this dynamic. The new statewide default is that students are prohibited from using cell phones or other smart devices during classroom hours.

Beyond SB 178

While Senate Bill 178 establishes a statewide default for cell phone use, it also empowers districts like Murray to craft and enforce our own specific policies. This means that while the starting point is no devices in classrooms, Murray maintains the authority to tailor additional rules and definitions, including grade-level distinctions and practies for responsible technology use.

Key Definitions: Cellphone: Any handheld device capable of wireless communication; Smartwatch: A wearable device with the capacity to act in place of or as an extension of an individual’s cellphone; Emerging Technology: Devices acting in place of or extending a cellphone, excluding school-provided devices; Earbuds/Earphones: Personal audio devices worn in or on the ear.

• General Rules: The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices; Devices will not be investigated if lost or stolen; Devices may be confiscated if used in violation of the policy; Devices used for privacy violations, threats, or cheating will result in school/district discipline and possibly law enforcement involvement.

• Grade-Level Restrictions: K–6: Devices are not allowed at all during the school day, including lunch, recess, and field trips. Exception: Teacher-approved use for curriculum or testing; Grades 7-9: Devices are not allowed during classroom hours but permitted during lunch, passing time, and after-school activities, Exception: Teacher-approved use for curriculum or testing. Grades 10–12: Same as grades 7–9, with additional use allowed during assemblies.

• Permitted Uses Across all Grades: During emergencies (e.g., health/safety threats, SafeUT app use); If required by an IEP, 504 Plan, ILDP, or health care plan; and after an emergency, once it is safe to contact parents.

• Additional Rules: Devices may not be used as rewards by teachers or during free time; Devices must remain silent and stored away; Schools may provide a designated location for storage; Use in locker rooms/bathrooms is strictly prohibited; Laser devices are banned and subject to immediate consequences.

Why the Change? And What Are the Exceptions?

The legislative shift comes amid growing concerns about the impact of pervasive device use on student learning, mental health, and social interactions. Advocates for the bill, including many parents, teachers, and students, highlighted issues such as classroom distractions, increased anxiety, and reduced in-person communication. The goal is to create more focused and engaging learning environments.

The new law does recognize specific circumstances where a device may be necessary:

• Emergencies: Students would still be allowed to use their devices in exigent circumstances, such as responding to an imminent threat or during a school-wide emergency (once it is deemed safe to use the device).
• Safety Lines: Use of the SafeUT Crisis Line remains permissible.
• Individualized Plans: Device access is allowed when required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or as documented in a health care plan. 

What This Means for Murray City School District Parents

We encourage you to stay informed about state law and district policies specific to cell phones for the 2025-2026 school year as the conversation and strategies for implementation evolve. Our goal is to work together to ensure an optimal learning environment for all students.