Students in Lawrence Public Schools will be mostly prohibited access to their cell phones during school hours based on a new policy the school board approved Monday, though the policy includes a number of exceptions.
“The goal of this change is really about one thing, and that is lifting up the teaching and learning that occur every day in our classrooms, and lifting that up by diminishing and removing as many distractions as possible,” Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift said. “And in this day and age, the number one distraction is that of the cell phone.”
All cell phones and other personal electronic devices “must be turned off and stored out of sight” during instructional time, the approved policy says. Instructional time is defined in the policy as time “a student spends receiving instruction in a school setting.”
The board approved the policy with a vote of 7-0 following a discussion and comments from two members of the public Monday. It will go into effect in January.
Unlike elementary, there are caveats for middle and high school students, according to guidance provided by district administrators to pair with the policy. The guidance says middle school principals can use their discretion about cell phone use during lunchtime. It also says high school students will be allowed to use their cell phones during non-instructional time, including passing periods and lunchtime.
Currently, students across the district aren’t to have their cell phones out while they’re in class. Elementary and middle school policies don’t allow students to use their phones at all during school hours unless granted permission, a distinction from the new policy. High school students are currently permitted to use their phones outside of class time.
Swift said implementing the new policy in high schools will be an adaptive process primarily aimed at helping students change their behaviors, rather than punishing them. Ideally, high school students will learn to manage their own use of their devices, Swift said.
Consequences are not outlined in the policy, but it says the policy is in line with the district’s acceptable use policy and codes of conduct.
“We really are going to spend the opening weeks of 2025 learning as a system together, because this is a significant behavioral and cultural shift, and we all recognize that,” Swift said.
At all grade levels, cell phones and other personal electronic devices will be prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms “to ensure privacy and safety,” according to the policy.
During middle and high school field trips, extracurriculars or other school-related activities outside of class, supervising staff members will set the guidelines for cell phone usage.
Exceptions listed in the policy include for students with documented medical needs and students with individualized education plan (IEP) accommodations. The policy also mentions emergencies: “In the event of an emergency, students are encouraged to follow instructions from school staff. Cell phones may be used to communicate with emergency services or family members as directed,” it states.
Swift assured the board that all necessary medical exemptions will be granted.
Board member Anne Costello, who serves on the Board Policy Committee that drafted the approved policy, has expressed interest in a stricter policy than the one approved. But she said she remains optimistic because she knows the district and board will monitor and gain feedback the first semester of implementation.
Additionally, the committee has a review process when it comes to new policies. The committee can consider proposing changes at the conclusion of the academic year.
“I think I said at the last meeting, I’m a proponent of, you know, an even stronger ban,” Costello said. “But based off of, you know, leaving this to the experts, those who put the feet on the ground, who are doing the work and understand it better than I do, I was willing to support this version of the policy, also knowing that we are going to continue to look at this, and that’s really one of the things that I really appreciate.”
Although other personal electronic devices, such as smartwatches and iPads, are also prohibited under the policy, Swift previously said the district will begin with just focusing on cell phones. It’s unclear exactly how the district will navigate the different devices.
Board member Bob Byers said in addition to the change for students, the policy will take teachers some getting used to. He predicted it’ll be difficult for many students’ families to adjust, as well.
“I think parents need to understand that their responsibilities will change as well — that you no longer can pick up your phone and call your student or your child and expect that they’re going to answer that phone,” Byers said. “The likelihood is not — they won’t be.”
The board and Swift agreed the implementation of the policy will bring forth new avenues for data to be analyzed. One of the district’s next goals is to create recommendations by the fourth quarter to reduce screen time in elementary schools, per elementary teachers’ and parents’ requests, according to Swift.
Swift said communication about the new policy will go out to families Monday evening.
Here’s the approved policy:
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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