close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

    • What should you know about Delaware’s back-to-school cell phone bans?
    Michigan

    What should you know about Delaware’s back-to-school cell phone bans?

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

    play

    This school year, even more young students are expected to put their screens in their pockets.

    In other words, many students are no longer allowed to use their personal smartphones during class. And that should sound familiar. Most districts and schools across the state already have similar notices in student handbooks and disciplinary policies.

    But this year is different.

    From a statewide pilot program now in the works to individual districts, schools or even classrooms allowing phone use, a growing number of Delaware educators are pushing for stricter, physical restrictions on phones during the school day. And some of these procedures will be tested as early as the start of the 2024-25 school year, which begins this week.

    What should families know?

    Delaware bans cell phones in class? Some schools have already stepped in

    A pilot program to curb cell phone distraction in public schools was one of the items in this year’s supplemental budget.

    The legislature has appropriated $250,000 to test an expansion of “bags to hide cells” in Delaware middle and high schools, as previously reported. More details on this will be in the works, as the Delaware Department of Education will be responsible for bringing together experts, developing a system for this pilot program, and evaluating it.

    Colonial School District middle schools have been using such pouches made by Yondr since 2022. George Read, McCullough and Gunning Bedford schools marked the company’s first partnership in Delaware and continued the program aimed at keeping phones “out of sight.” Students can carry the pouches with them, but only magnet stations can reopen them.

    Other schools in the region and across the country have implemented various restrictions. This summer, Pennsylvania passed a law that will test cell phone bans in schools. New Jersey is also testing stricter rules. Some teachers are using sealed bags, while others are using hanging storage organizers on the back of classroom doors.

    In Delaware, Smyrna schools issued their own announcement in July: No more phones.

    The district’s school board said that starting in September, students’ cellphones and other personal electronic devices will be kept in “a designated area” during class time. The devices will also be made available outside of class, but each student will continue to have their school devices with them at all times.

    “The board asks teaching staff to set a good example and refrain from using cell phones during class,” the board wrote in a recent statement. “Parents and guardians, we need your support to help your child(ren) understand that being phone-free for just over an hour at a time will positively impact the learning environment and their overall academic success.”

    Smyrna said it plans to gather feedback on the upcoming move to develop a formal policy on student personal devices. Superintendent Susan Brown said the district will continue to provide the community with updates.

    Brandywine High School also joined the community this summer.

    “Students must keep their cell phones and similar electronic devices in designated bags at the front of the classroom during all class time,” the school wrote on Facebook. “This change is intended to reduce distractions and promote better concentration in class.”

    This includes smartphones, accessories and other personal devices, which, according to the new school policy, are kept in “teacher-designated” cell phone organizers and cannot be used until the school bell rings. Students are allowed to use their cell phones during lunch, in the hallways between classes and outside of class times.

    Otherwise, each student in the one-to-one school receives a Chromebook for classroom use. Smyrna has similar student technology for classroom use.

    Do cell phones harm students? Pilot project for cell phone bags in Delaware schools

    More attention on phones in the 2024-25 school year in Delaware

    To know the impact of non-compliance with these rules at Brandywine High School, the school would only have to refer to the Brandywine School District’s typical code of conduct.

    First, if a student refuses to put a device in the teacher’s organizer, an administrator may be called to confiscate the phone. Violation 1: The phone is returned at the end of class. Subsequent violations: Confiscation lasts the rest of the day. Parents are notified when a phone is confiscated. If the problem becomes chronic, further disciplinary action may be considered, according to the district.

    In Brandywine, parents are encouraged to contact their school if they need to contact a student during school hours.

    Other Delaware districts already have cell phone policies in student and family handbooks, but enforcement is another question.

    “Cell phones, pagers, or other communication devices can disrupt the school’s learning experience. Therefore, the possession, use, or display of cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in school buildings during regular school hours is prohibited,” the Indian River School District wrote in 2015, threatening to confiscate such devices if discovered.

    Red Clay’s handbook states: “Students whose parents require them to carry a cell phone or other personal electronic device to school must always turn it off during class. Use of a cell phone during the school day is considered ‘unauthorized.’ Cell phones must always be kept in a clothing pocket, secured school bag, or locked locker.” There are similar consequences.

    All that is missing for these and other rules is the bag, organizer or other physical location to enforce “bans” like those announced this summer.

    Another well-known procedure was introduced in the Milford School District this month.

    “During the school day, students’ cell phones should be turned off and carried on their person,” says the summary of the cell phone procedure posted on Facebook on August 20. The use of a “security bag” for phones would only be used in cases of “multiple violations,” according to the district.

    It is designed to increase the focus on problem solving, communication and more in the classroom, and consequences are based on the Student Code of Conduct. A first offense will result in a written warning, a second offense will result in detention and contact with parents, followed by parent or guardian meetings and a behavior intervention plan.

    The responses to the Milford School District’s post alone reflect the mixed feelings parents and the public have about these stricter rules. Some expressed safety concerns since they are away from their children, while others praised the move, which is intended to curb distractions and increase learning.

    For now, schools will begin testing these rules this week.

    Have a story? Contact Kelly Powers at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01.

    LEAVE A RESPONSE

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Caradoc Wyn
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like

    ads