Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district administrators say visible cell phone use in class has gone down in both high schools since the new policy took effect, but engagement with younger students requires continued attention.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a purchase of snow blowers and hear an update on the new cell phone policy.
School districts across Kansas will receive a 20-page report containing guidance on cell phones that recommends daytime cell phone bans, mental health awareness and bolstered parental oversight.
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 Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving the final draft of a new policy that would implement a generally cell phone-free instructional day effective in January.
Lawrence school board members on Monday gave initial approval to a draft cell phone policy, despite district administrators proposing guidance that directly conflicts with the draft as it’s written.
A new policy imposing a cell-phone free instructional day is on the table, and while some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers, others said they’re worried about the safety implications.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
A draft cell phone policy would prohibit Lawrence school district students from using their phones during school hours, but some exceptions are included and discipline is not a focus of the policy.
An advisory group created by the Kansas State Board of Education is recommending that schools ban cellphones for students at every grade level.
Across Kansas, teens are living more and more of their lives online. Scrolling for hours probably isn’t great for anyone, but research shows it’s especially bad for teens and their developing brains.
