Leilani R.
DCIS student forgets his water and texts his dad via smartwatch, asking for his water bottle.
Smartwatches have become a staple accessory for today’s teen, part fashion statement, part safety device, and, at times, part controversy. While critics worry about cheating and classroom distractions, supporters argue these digital companions offer valuable tools for health, communication, and responsibility.
Over the past few years, the popularity of smartwatches among teens has steadily risen. In 2021, only 13% of U.S. teenagers wore one; by 2025, that number climbed to 18%. For many families, the appeal lies in the balance: unlike smartphones, smartwatches give students a way to check the time, track health goals, and contact parents in emergencies, all while avoiding the constant lure of social media.
For some students, the devices are less about convenience and more about peace of mind. “They bought me my smartwatch so I can communicate with them if I get in trouble or in case of an emergency,” explained Harrison Porter, a 7th grade student on campus.
But not everyone views these digital tools so favorably. In an email sent before the start of the school year, district superintendent Charlayne Sprague announced a policy update banning cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices on school grounds. The goal, she wrote, was to “ensure a focused and respectful learning environment.”
That decision has sparked debate. Many students are oblivious of the ban and continue to wear smartwatches on campus, while others openly question whether such restrictions are fair.
Teachers understand both sides of the debate. Mrs. Mares, a 7th grade math teacher, uses a smartwatch herself, and described its benefits: “It tells me how many steps I’ve taken and if I’ve closed my rings (exercise goals). It’s also useful because it will set off alarms in my hand, instead of having to look at my cell phone. It’s a great resource as long as students are using it appropriately.”
Administrators, however, remain firm. Vice Principal Ryan Lewis emphasized the distraction factor: “What’s your job here at school? Learn, right? [A smartwatch] gets in the way of that. When we have our phone, we want to be looking at it. So when we come into school, we have to code switch: I’m here to learn.”
Still, critics of the ban argue that lumping smartwatches in with phones is unfair. Unlike smartphones, most smart watches don’t allow access to social media, the very feature many parents try to avoid when they choose a watch over a phone for their child. The purpose is solely messaging between students and parents.
And what about cheating? While smartwatches could be used to sneak in answers, students determined to cheat have always found ways, whether by scribbling notes on their hands or hiding scraps of paper. Some argue that banning watches won’t eliminate the problem, it will only change its form.
The question remains: what will happen when the statewide ban officially goes into effect on July 1, 2026? For now, many teens continue to rely on their smartwatches for health, safety, and connection. Whether schools can strike a balance between focus and freedom is a challenge that, much like the time on a watch face, continues to tick forward.