Madison schools tighten cell phone policy

Madison County Schools will implement a stricter electronics policy for the upcoming school year, prohibiting the use of headphones and earbuds during school hours and further restricting cell phone use for middle and high school students.

The new policy for the 2025-2026 school year was highlighted by School Board member Jonathan J. Tillman Sr. in a social media post on Tuesday.

“Parents of students in Madison County Schools: please be aware of the change pertaining to Electronic Devices for the 2025-2026 school year,” Tillman wrote.

Under the new rules, high school students will no longer be permitted to use personal earbuds or other listening devices at any time. This is a change from the previous policy, which allowed their use with teacher approval. High school students are also prohibited from using electronic devices during instructional class time.

The policy adds new language for middle school students, stating they “shall not use such electronic devices from the first bell to the last bell of the school day.”

The district’s policy for elementary school students remains unchanged, restricting the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices during the school day and on buses unless approved by school administration.

According to the student handbook, unauthorized use of an electronic device may subject a student to disciplinary action, including detention or suspension.