Students’ Phones In School Topic Of Discussion In Many States, Details On Effingham Cell Phone Policy In School

Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Georgia educators are aiming to get students off their phones in the classroom.

DeKalb County School Board has approved a pilot program that will see five middle schools and five high schools using Yondr pouches to keep students away from their cellphones during the school day. Three other schools will test a locker system as part of the program. Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton tells Atlanta News First its a priority to find ways to engage students and maintain focus in the classroom while still respecting parents’ and students’ desire for phone access. In an effort to find balance, students will have limited access to their phones while in the pouches.

Virginia’s Governor recently issued an executive order to go into effect by 2025 for classrooms to be “phone free.” This is all in an effort to keep students more focused in class.

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The Cromwell News Department asked Effingham Unit 40 Superintendent Andy Johnson if they are thinking of enacting something similar to this. The policy for cell phones in Effingham Schools is that phones are “discouraged,” with students having access during lunch time and “passing periods.” At this time, the policy is as follows:

Any device (including Cell Phones, Smart Watches, EarPods, etc) that disrupts the educational environment or the daily routine and operation of the school is considered a disruptive device. These devices will be confiscated. The school will attempt to notify the parent/guardian and the device will only be returned to a parent or guardian. Pick up times will be from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. When confiscated, the student will have the opportunity to lock these devices to protect confidential information.

Students are allowed to use their cell phones/wearable technology/ear pods during passing periods and during their lunch time as long as it is not disruptive to the educational process. Videotaping/Audiotaping and taking pictures of other students/faculty without their consent is an infringement on others rights. Any cell phone/wearable technology/ear pods use that negatively impacts others during the school day will result in consequences.

Within the classroom setting (including study hall), cell phones/wearable technology/ear pods are not to be used and are to remain “Off and Out of Sight” at all times. Teachers may receive approval from administration if they have all students use a cell phone for educational purposes, where the school issued laptop is not sufficient for the learning activity.

• First Offense – Device confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian.
• Second Offense – Device confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian, with late stay.
• Third Offense – Device confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian with one day alternative classroom.
• Fourth Offense – Device confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian with two days alternative classroom.
• Fifth Offense – Device confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian with three days of alternative classroom. Also, students will no longer be allowed to bring the device to school for the remainder of the school year.