As Colorado lawmakers consider legislation to curtail student phone use during school hours, one Western Slope district is already ahead of the curve. Mesa County Valley School District 51 (D51), headquartered in Grand Junction, implemented a comprehensive phone-free policy at the start of the 2024 school year—and the early results, according to administrators, are striking.

The policy restricts phone access for students throughout most of the school day. For elementary and middle school students, mobile devices are entirely off-limits from first bell to dismissal. High school students are permitted to use their phones only during lunch and passing periods.

According to D51 Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill, the initiative has produced significant benefits for student engagement, mental wellness, and classroom discipline.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from our students saying it helps them focus more on class,” Hill said. “It’s helping them socialize more with their classmates in person, and they find themselves not getting on their phones as much outside of class either.”

Bill at the Capitol Echoes D51’s Move

D51’s timing appears prescient.

In early 2025, Colorado lawmakers introduced a new bill aimed at limiting student phone use statewide. The bill proposes mandating that all public school districts implement policies to restrict cell phone usage during instructional hours, citing research on the link between smartphone use and rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in youth.

Dr. Hill has already testified in front of both the Colorado House and Senate education committees in support of the legislation.

“We want to make sure our classrooms remain focused, calm, and connected,” he said.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the measure later this spring.

A Cultural Shift in the Classroom

While the initial rollout of D51’s phone-free policy sparked some pushback—particularly from students used to frequent access—the transition has since evolved into something of a cultural reset, administrators say.

Teachers report fewer distractions and behavioral issues. Parents are noticing differences at home. And students themselves, somewhat surprisingly, are becoming some of the policy’s most vocal supporters.

Changes Noticed by Teachers:

• Less off-task behavior during instruction

• Increased participation in group work and discussions

• Fewer instances of phone-related conflict

Student Reflections:

• More face-to-face conversations with peers

• Greater focus on academics

• Less compulsive phone use after school hours

“It’s been kind of weird, honestly,” said Alyssa Johnson, a Central High School junior. “At first it was annoying. But now it’s like—I’m not as anxious about checking things all the time. I actually talk to people more.”

Emergency Protocols and Parental Communication

One of the common concerns raised about phone bans in schools is safety—particularly in emergencies. But D51 officials maintain that limiting student phone access actually improves crisis response by keeping students focused on adult instructions rather than texting or checking social media.

“In an emergency, it’s better that students are listening to the adult in the room and following emergency protocols,” said Hill.

For parents needing to reach their children during the school day, the district has reiterated that they can call the school’s front office, where staff will relay messages or connect calls via landline.

“This isn’t about cutting off communication—it’s about creating the right kind of communication at the right time,” said Hill.

Part of a Larger Trend

D51’s policy reflects a growing national trend as educators and policymakers grapple with the effects of screen time on young minds. In recent years, several high-profile studies have linked prolonged phone use in teens to:

• Increased anxiety and depression

• Lower academic performance

• Reduced social and emotional skills

• Disrupted sleep patterns

In response, schools across the country—from California to New York—are experimenting with phone restrictions, “phone jails,” or digital monitoring apps.

But what sets D51 apart is its district-wide approach—a unified, clearly communicated policy that spans all age levels and schools.

“We didn’t want it to be piecemeal,” said Hill. “We wanted every student, every teacher, every parent to understand the expectations.”

Support and Skepticism

While the policy has received broad support from educators, some parents remain skeptical about removing phones entirely, especially for older students.

“I get the idea, but high schoolers are practically adults,” said one parent, Lisa McCormick. “They need to learn how to manage tech responsibly, not just have it taken away.”

Others, however, see the benefits.

“My son actually said he’s less stressed at school now,” said Marcos Ledezma, a parent of a seventh grader. “That’s huge.”

A Model for the State?

Whether D51’s example becomes a blueprint for the rest of Colorado remains to be seen. But with momentum growing at the statehouse, and testimonials pouring in from Mesa County, the tide may be turning.

If the proposed bill passes, Colorado would join a small but growing number of states attempting to legislatively rein in phone usage during school hours.

For now, D51 stands as a real-world case study: a district where fewer screens have meant more focus, more connection, and perhaps, more learning.