Bell-to-Bell
Cell Phone Policy
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, O'Dowd will implement a bell-to-bell cell phone-free school day. Students will keep their cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and smart glasses stored in their backpacks from the first bell until dismissal, creating more opportunities for focused learning, meaningful relationships, and full engagement in our community.
Earbuds and headphones may be used for instructional purposes.
A student-led initiative developed through a year of research, collaboration, and community dialogue.
Policy at a Glance
WHEN
Beginning with the 2026–27
School Year​​​​
8:45am - 3:00pm
Cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and smart glasses remain turned off and stored in students' backpacks.
Earbuds and headphones may be used for instructional purposes.
EXCEPTIONS
Approved medical accommodations and other documented school-approved needs.​​
Why We're Making This Change
As a Catholic school, O'Dowd believes education is about forming the whole person—mind, body, heart, and spirit. Creating a cell phone-free school day helps students be more fully present to their learning, relationships, and personal growth.
Research and experience from schools across the country suggest that reducing access to personal smart devices during the school day can:
​
-
Improve focus and engagement in learning
-
Strengthen face-to-face relationships
-
Support student well-being and healthy technology habits
-
Reduce distractions and social pressures
-
Cultivate greater presence, independence, and community
"Schools are not called to follow the pace of the digital world, but to offer that which the digital sphere by itself cannot provide, namely a shared time for learning and developing trustworthy relationships."
​
- Pope Leo XIV, Magnitas Humanitas
Students Led the Conversation
This policy emerged from a year-long process led by O'Dowd students in partnership with faculty and school leadership. Together, they explored a central question: What kind of school environment best supports learning, relationships, and human flourishing?
Students studied current research, visited peer schools, engaged the O'Dowd community, and presented recommendations that helped shape our Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy.
​
The Journey
-
Studied research on adolescent well-being, attention, and human flourishing
-
Visited St. Ignatius and St. Mary's College High School to experience phone-free culture firsthand
-
Gathered input from students, families, and faculty, with more than 85% of parents and students supporting the policy
-
Developed recommendations grounded in research and community feedback
-
Helped shape implementation, student education, and campus supports
Student Voices
Sakari ’27
“I'm going to be remembering the actual memories that I made with my friends ..."
Belle ’27
"...convinced us that our school needs to take meaningful action to create conditions that support our relationships, growth, and well-being."
Adele ’27
“...we want to add some more activities to lunches and breaks to make the school day more enjoyable."
Luke ’27
"It is vital to protect high schoolers from addiction..."
Sienna ’27
“...Saint Ignatius and Saint Mary's... vibes were high, positive, talkative, lively"
Brielle ’27
"... give us a chance to become good role models for our younger generation ..."