The proposed fiscal 2026 NDAA would require DoDEA to standardize and tighten rules limiting student cellphone use across its 161 schools worldwide. Current policies vary by campus; some already ban phones during the school day while others allow limited non-class use. Lawmakers supporting the change cite classroom distractions, while DoDEA emphasizes local implementation and teaching responsible device use. If enacted, DoDEA must issue a uniform policy within 180 days.
Congress Moves To Tighten Cellphone Rules In DoD Schools — DoDEA Must Standardize Use Within 180 Days
Policies on students' cell phone use varies in DOD schools. (Andrey Popov)
Legislation in the proposed fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would require the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to tighten and standardize rules limiting students' use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices across its global school system.
What The Proposal Would Do
The NDAA provision directs DoDEA to revise its regulations to "prohibit disruption in the learning environment by minimizing the use of such mobile devices to the greatest extent practicable, and to standardize such regulations across all DODEA schools." If enacted, DoDEA would have up to 180 days after the law takes effect to implement a uniform policy systemwide.
Where This Matters
DoDEA operates 161 schools serving more than 65,000 military-connected students in 11 foreign countries, seven U.S. states and two U.S. territories. Current local policies vary: many handbooks say cellphones must be turned off and stored during the school day, while some campuses — such as Edgren Middle High School at Misawa Air Base in Japan — allow phone use at students' discretion during non-class time.
Voices From The Field
"Cellphones don't belong in the classroom, and students learn best when these distractions are removed," said Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), who helped negotiate the provision.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said the move is a step toward her earlier call for banning cellphones in all K–12 schools, noting the importance of distraction-free learning for the more than 65,000 children in DoDEA schools worldwide.
DoDEA's Position
DoDEA spokeswoman Jessica Tackaberry said cellphone rules are "clearly outlined" in each school's handbook and that local schools implement guidance based on community needs. She added, "Overall, cellphone use is not a systemic issue in DODEA," and emphasized the agency's focus on teaching responsible technology use and citizenship.
DoDEA Director Beth Schiavino-Narvaez told Military Times that during a recent visit to Fort Campbell, Kentucky — which has six DoDEA schools — she saw few if any students using phones. "We have guidance and our students are great at following that guidance. We want kids engaged in their learning, and that's what I saw," she said.
Broader Context
States and districts nationwide are also moving to curb classroom phone use: Education Week reports that at least 32 states plus the District of Columbia have required school districts to ban or restrict student cellphone use amid concerns over learning distractions.
Next Steps
The NDAA measure has passed the House and is awaiting a Senate vote. If the final law includes the provision, DoDEA will be required to update and standardize its cellphone regulations across all schools within 180 days of enactment.
