WS/FCS approves policy banning cell phone use during the school day

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education unanimously approved a new policy banning the use of cell phones during the school day for most students.

The policy states that students must have their phones powered off and out of sight for the entirety of the school day. An exception is made for high schoolers, who are allowed to use them during lunch. 

At a committee meeting on Tuesday, Board of Education Member Leah Crowley said the policy will have mental health benefits for students and reduce class disruptions. 

“I hope we can be really strong and do what's right by our kids, but also what is right by our teachers. It is not fair to ask them to engage students and do deeper learning and have more engaging lessons and then have kids who are just wired for all these instant notifications," Crowley said. "It makes it really hard on them.” 

The policy initially also allowed high school students to use their phones in between classes, but board members ultimately decided against it. 

The consequences for students who violate the policy include parental contact and office referral. After the third offense, the student’s phone will be confiscated and held until the end of the school day. 

During Tuesday’s regular board meeting, middle school teacher Frankie Santoro said phones should be taken away even earlier. 

“Why are we waiting for the third infraction before a phone is confiscated? Many teachers are tired of being inconvenienced over behaviors that can be addressed either at home or through a no-tolerance policy," Santoro said. "As teachers, we are already competing for the attention of our students.”

Bans on cell phones during the school day are being implemented in districts across the state, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Similar measures have been enacted statewide in Florida and Indiana.

WS/FCS officials say the new rules will be heavily communicated to parents and students going into the next school year. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.