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Marble – Cherokee County Board of Education members are expecting a backlash after they formalized a ban on students using cell phones during school hours – not as much as from students as from their parents.
The board was already working on a policy governing the use of “wireless communication devices” but the state beat it to the punch. House Bill 959 mandates that schools develop and implement policies to restrict cell phone use during instructional time.
The board is working to revise its draft policy, which would have put in place limited restrictions. However, at its July 31 meeting, members took interim measures that take effect during the coming school year, which starts later this month.
At that meeting, the board voted unanimously that cell phones will “be powered off as soon as the student enters any school campus and that the wireless communication device is to remain powered off until the student exits the school campus or after their instructional school day ends.”
The directive remains in effect pending a thorough review and update of the existing policy.
The new state law provides exceptions to the restrictions. Students can use their phones in emergencies, teachers can allow cell phone use for specific lesson, and students can have phones if they have documented medical conditions requiring a cell phone, such as monitoring blood sugar levels.
Citing published reports, board member Jeannie Gaddis said cell phone use affects concentration, absenteeism, bullying and acting out.
“This is a universal problem that needs to be addressed,” she said, adding that teachers have a hard enough time managing classrooms.
Board Chair Shannon Raper described cell phone in school use as a “nightmare to me.” She expects some flack from students, but more so from parents.
“I know the pushback will come from the parents,” she said.
The school board will be looking at consequences for violating the directive. Meanwhile, parents who need to contact their children during school hours are advised to call the school office.
“We do want what’s best for the children,” Raper said, adding that schools will do their best to help parents contact their children.