Back to school, minus the smartphones, for Defense Department’s overseas students

Bells rang and parents applauded as thousands of students streamed back into Defense Department schools on Monday, many leaving their phones and smartwatches out of reach under new rules for the academic year.

The restriction took effect as the Department of Defense Education Activity — known unofficially as the Department of War Education Activity — welcomed about 66,000 students back to 160 schools, including in 11 foreign countries.

The agency is “renewing its focus on patriotic values, rigorous academic standards, parental engagement, expanded curriculum offerings, and physical fitness,” according to a statement Monday.

Some changes already implemented include a new classical learning elective for high school students called Western Civilization to 1500 and the return of the Presidential Fitness Test for all students.

In a back-to-school message from the White House posted on DODEA’s Facebook page Monday, President Donald Trump said, “The Golden Age of America relies upon your tremendous leadership, commitment and character.

“I encourage you to do your best in school each day, ask questions, and never stop learning.”

At Ikego Elementary School in Zushi, Japan — about 5 miles from Yokosuka Naval Base — scores of families gathered as principal Josh Adams and base commander Capt. Jonathan Hopkins led a bell-ringing ceremony.

At Yokota Air Base — home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo — parents and teachers clapped enthusiastically as about 120 students arrived at Yokota West Elementary School, which marks its 80th anniversary this year.

The school opened on Sept. 12, 1946, with two teachers and 12 pupils, principal Rebecca Villagomez said at the traditional clap-in ceremony.

Kubasaki High School students pose for a photo on the first day of classes at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Aug. 17, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)

Kubasaki High School cheerleaders welcome their fellow students to the first day of classes at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Aug. 17, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)

Zama Middle High School principal James Rippard welcomes students to the first day of classes at Camp Zama, Japan, Aug. 17, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Students return to Kubasaki High School for the first day of classes at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Aug. 17, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)

“There was a lot of spirit then and there’s a lot of spirit now,” she said.

This year, students will encounter new restrictions on personal electronic devices under a DODEA policy announced in May.

Smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, Bluetooth-enabled devices and gaming systems with internet-connected capability must be silenced or turned off and securely stored from the start of the school day until dismissal, according to a form letter emailed to parents and guardians from some DODEA principals.

“This change will remove distractions and keep the focus of our classrooms on education,” the letter states.

DODEA schools in South Korea opened Wednesday under a modified calendar, with the final day of classes scheduled for June 2.

Parents and teachers clap as Yokota West Elementary School student Justice Jones arrives for the first day of classes at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 17, 2026. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)

Students return to Kubasaki High School for the first day of classes at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Aug. 17, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)

At Camp Humphreys, Navy veteran Hunter Lee, whose 11-year-old son, Markus, entered sixth grade at Humphreys Middle School, said he supports the new electronics policy.

“Unless a device is explicitly required for a classroom lesson, it only serves to interfere with learning and student engagement,” he said by email Wednesday.

Markus said adjusting to the restriction should not be difficult.

“Some students might complain at first because we’re so used to having them, but as long as we can check our notifications after the final bell, it’s pretty easy to adjust to,” he said in the email sent by his father.

At Kaiserslautern High School in Germany, a few phones were spotted in the front courtyard before the first bell as students got in one last scrolling session and parents took the obligatory back-to-school photo while dropping their kids off.

It is one of two high schools in the Kaiserslautern area, which hosts the largest overseas U.S. military community in the world.

After going to their first class, students in grades nine through 12 streamed into the gymnasium to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and meet new principal Sara Schmidt, who most recently was the community superintendent for Kaiserslautern Military Community schools.

Kaiserslautern High School freshmen Marlee Courtney, left, and Nicolina Greco get ready for their first day of high school on Aug. 17, 2026, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

A few freshmen spoke of first-day jitters.

“I’m so nervous,” said Marlee Courtney, 14. “I know there’s going to be a lot more work. It’s like a big upgrade in expectations and stuff.”

Senior E.J. Stolle, on the other hand, was gung-ho about starting his senior year, with a move back to the States and college on the horizon next summer after six years in Germany.

“It’s been fun,” said the 17-year-old. “I had a good run here, but I’m ready for college.”

Schmidt said that including staff members, there are about 800 people in total at the school’s campus in western Kaiserslautern.

Kaiserslautern High School principal Sara Schmidt welcomes students back to school in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Aug. 17, 2026. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Students at Kaiserslautern High School applaud during a back-to-school assembly in the gymnasium on Aug. 17, 2026, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Students head to class on the first day back to school at Kaiserslautern High School in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Aug. 17, 2026. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

Last spring, DODEA eliminated an unspecified number of community superintendent positions and their support staff.

The move was intended to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and create clearer lines of support, agency director Paul Craft said at the time.

No phones were visible during the approximately 20-minute assembly. Schmidt cited research showing that the average American teen spends seven to eight hours per day on electronics for recreational use, equating to more than a decade over a lifetime.

A buzz of hushed chatter among the students followed that remark.

“Imagine what you can do in that time: travel, relationships hobbies, Schmidt said. “Get to know the people sitting next to you, ask them where they’re from, learn about one another.”

Stars and Stripes reporters Julie Masson, Seth Robson and Jennifer Svan contributed to this report.