New cell phone policy at MS Coast school district draws cheers and complaints
The Ocean Springs School District has a new cell phone and electronics policy, and parents are sharing their opinions before the first full day of school on Friday, Aug. 1.
Hundreds of comments are posted in Facebook groups by parents, grandparents and others who said they think it’s the right course, and from those who say the school better not think of confiscating their student’s phone.
“To be honest, I was surprised by the amount of support we got,” said Trey Brennan, director of communications for the school district.
“I figured there would be a lot more negatives,” he said. “I think everybody has kind of seen that this has become an issue, and not just our school, but schools everywhere.”
The Mississippi Legislature considered but did not pass regulations that would have required all school districts to adopt a cell phone policy that covers use during class and in emergency situations.
Some of the other school districts in South Mississippi have restrictions on electronics use. Gulfport School District does not allow use of cell phones and other electronic devices during school, unless there is an educational purpose in the classroom as permitted by a teacher. The Biloxi School District handbook says cell phones and earbuds/headphones are allowed in the classroom only when the teacher gives specific instructions for their use.
The Electronic Device Policy for the 2025-26 school year was approved by the Ocean Springs School Board this summer, Brennan said.
Starting Aug. 1, students must turn off, and can’t use, their phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, Bluetooth headphones/AirPods, electronic games and personal tablets while on campus for the instructional day, the policy reads.
Many of the regulations and procedures were already in place, he said, but enforcement has been somewhat lax the last few years.
“We’re getting back to cracking down on that after we’ve had issues in recent years with phones in the schools,” he said. The policy was rewritten to make it clear and to cover the broad use of personal devices that in addition to making phone calls and sending text messages, now are used to access artificial intelligence, to transcribe voice and to post messages on social media.
What the policy says
Letters sent to parents explain the policy that also was discussed at meet the teacher events.
For elementary and middle school students, phones can’t be visible and students can’t use them during the day.
Regulations for high school students in grades 9-12 are a little different. High school students can use their phones between classes and at lunch, Brennan said, but devices can’t be out or used during instructional time in the classroom.
“Students may possess cell phones on campus, but they must be used in accordance with school procedures,” the policy says.
The penalties
The school district will have little tolerance with students who don’t follow the regulations.
Students in middle school and high school will get two warnings and their parents will have to pick up the devices in the principal’s office.
On the third violation, the devices will be confiscated and returned to a parent or guardian on the last day of the semester.
A student who is found using an electronic communication device while taking a statewide test will have it confiscated for the rest of the school year and may be suspended, the policy says.
“Each OSSD school will develop its own rules and procedures for use, discipline, confiscation and retrieval of electronic devices, consistent with this district policy,” the letter said.
No social media bullying
The policy also addresses social media bullying and says students can’t take photos or videos of other students or staff without their knowledge and consent.
Sending or receiving inappropriate photographs, dishonest academic practices or any other illegal uses may lead to a device being confiscated.
“Students shall not take photos or videos of other students or other individuals (including staff) without their consent and knowledge,” the new policy says.
What parents are saying
Those who like the restrictions on electronics during class commented on Facebook: “Fantastic policy! All schools should implement this.”
Those who had issues with the policy of confiscating a phone said: “Sending it home and advising not to send back is one thing, but holding personal belongings hostage is another.”
There were questions about use of electronics for students who need to test their blood sugar during the day or for other medical uses.
Ocean Springs school nurses and administrators know exactly which students rely on those devices, Brennan said, and have permission forms on file so they can continue to use them.
This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 4:00 AM.
