SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Public Schools (SPS) plans to move forward with banning cellphone use in classrooms.
Wednesday, the SPS Board advised the district to adopt a more stringent and comprehensive policy regarding cellphone use in classrooms.
Previously, cellphone policies were created by the individual schools. This new proposal will be the first time SPS has a district-wide cellphone policy.
“It’s really about recognizing the risks associated with personal devices and the amount of time that kids are on them. How addicting they can be, how distracting they can be,” SPS Superintendent, Dr. Adam Swinyard, said.
Swinyard told NonStop Local that the purpose of the ban is to help the next generation have healthy boundaries with technology.
In high schools, students will not be allowed to use phones in classrooms. But, they can still use devices during lunch, between class periods or after school.
Middle school students will not be allowed to use their phones during school hours, except during lunch breaks.
Meanwhile, elementary schools will be imposing the strictest procedures, where students can only use phones before or after the school day.
NonStop Local asked Swinyard about potential safety concerns parents may have about the district-wide policy in case of emergencies.
“We have heard from families that say ‘I’d really like to be able to communicate with my student at any time.’ Kids can go to the office and call their parent… We recognize that in this new policy, kids will likely still have their device on them. They’ll likely be in their pocket or backpack. And, in the very unlikely event that there is a critical incident, we recognize that in those moments, kids will probably take out their phone and communicate with their families,” Swinyard said.
Terry Prime, a father of three SPS students told NonStop Local he is in favor of the new policy.
“I’ve heard my children talk about some kids that bring out their phones in school. It’s a distraction, not only for the children using them, obviously, but I think for those around them as well,” Prime said.
SPS plans to implement this cellphone policy before the school year begins in September.
