Potential cell phone policy changes for Lynchburg City Schools
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — On Thursday, March 28, the Lynchburg City School Board “Discipline Policy Review Committee” unanimously agreed that a rule requiring students to shut phones off and out of sight during school hours could help with problems in the classroom.
“We conducted a survey in the fall to find out from teachers and staff, bus drivers and principals the problem areas they would like to address,” said Martin Day, vice-chair of the Lynchburg City School Board and chair of the Discipline Policy Review Committee. “And the inappropriate use of cellphones was cited quite frequently.”
However, no official changes are being made just yet. They are still looking to get feedback from principals at their next meeting before bringing their recommendations to the school board.
“The board at its monthly meetings has a public comment period and parents would be welcomed and encouraged to come to talk about whatever this board proposes,” said Day.
Christiansburg Middle School bans personal electronics during school hours
They’re not the only ones considering changes within the last year. Earlier this year Christiansburg Middle School banned personal electronics during school hours, while Alleghany Highlands school district decided it would require students to keep cell phones on silent and out of site last year.
Roanoke County schools clarified their rules last year that require elementary and middle school students to put their phones on airplane mode all day and during classes for high school students. The Roanoke City Council spoke on the subject back in a meeting on Feb. 5.
“It’s often a factor in fighting, bullying, and a number of things like that that are a constant problem for teachers and principals, and so because of that we are looking to changing our policy and we’re looking at some policies of neighboring districts as well,” shared Day.
The Lynchburg committee said the proposed policy would affect any device that can receive, send, or record media — including headphones. Possible consequences could include phone confiscation, in-school detention and even meetings with parents. All this, with an end goal in mind.
Some teachers want parents to stop texting their kids at school. Here’s why
“To make the school environment a better one for both students and teachers, to try to eliminate the adverse effects of cellphones as they are perceived by teachers,” said Day.
The new policy could affect all grades next school year, however, the committee doesn’t expect to present the board with its recommendation until after April 25.
Day believes the board won’t decide on permanent rule changes until early May or June, but could even be decided by next year’s school board.
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