Roanoke City Public Schools release data from student cell phone usage survey
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)– Roanoke City Public Schools have released the results from their cell phone survey conducted in Feb.
Over the past few months, Roanoke City Public Schools have begun discussions around cell phone bans on campus, with conversations revolving around how cell phones are a major distraction to the classroom and learning environment.
The survey was open from Feb. 14 to Feb. 28 and distributed on the district’s website, social media, and text to students, families, and staff.
According to the results, 75% of all respondents say they believe cell phones are a distraction in the classroom, with the majority of responses coming from parents and RCPS staff. However, 63% of students believe having cell phones in the classroom is not a distraction.
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“Certainly, we want students to be in communication with their families when they need to be,” said RCPS Superintendent Dr. Verletta White. “But we also want to get rid of the distraction.”
The survey also asked RCPS members when students should have access to their phones, with varied results between parents and staff members. The survey showed that most staff believe students should not have access to their phones at all, while most parents believe phones should only be banned during class or instruction.
The district plans on using the survey as a guide to the School Board’s consideration of policies and procedures related to cell phones.
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