Worcester is considering a new policy on cellphones in school. Here's what to know
WORCESTER ― A new policy on cellphone, tablet and camera usage has been sent to the Worcester School Committee for consideration.
The draft of the new policy says that cellphones, smartphones, tablets, earbuds and cameras are to be used in school for educational purposes only, at the discretion of the classroom teacher and building administrator.
According to the policy, students can use their cellphones and other devices for "educational communication" using district-approved applications, such as email or chat apps, outside of class time. During instructional time, cellphones must be powered off or silenced and stowed out of sight, the policy states.
The policy states the new cellphone restrictions are to minimize disruptions during class time.
There are also provisions for cellphone use in the case of emergency.
The policy states that students should first alert a school staff member to any situation that endangers someone's safety.
However, if a staff member is not available, a student can use a cellphone to contact emergency services, parents or guardians.
Students would not be allowed to use cellphones to communicate with their parents during class time. Any urgent communication between a parent and a student is expected to be done through the school office.
"Parents and guardians are encouraged to keep the school informed of any changes to their contact information to ensure timely communication during emergencies," the policy states.
As for headphones and earbuds, the policy states that they are only acceptable when listening to educational podcasts and audiobooks, participating in remote learning sessions or using language learning applications or educational software.
Students would be able use wireless and corded earbuds during non-instructional times, including lunch, as long as it does not disrupt other students or teachers.
Consequences for violating the policy
The draft policy lays out consequences in cases where a student violates the policy.
For "minor violations," students would receive a warning.
If a student continues to violate the policy, their electronic device might be confiscated for the remainder of the school day. If a student has repeated violations, the draft states a meeting with parents or guardians would take place to discuss the issue.
The consequences are the same if a student violates the district's policy for earbuds and headphones.
"In the WPS, we aim to strike a balance between harnessing the educational potential of technology and maintaining a productive and respectful learning environment," the policy states. "With proactive guidance, responsible cell phone use can be integrated into our educational mission. Students, parents, and staff must adhere to this policy to create a positive and engaging educational experience."
What does the current cellphone policy say?
According to the public schools' student handbook, the current policy states: "While on school premises or at a school sponsored event during the school day, a student shall not, without expressed permission of appropriate school personnel, use any cell phone, smart phone, tablet, camera or any other type of electronic device which may potentially be disruptive of school activities or a distraction to students."
Schools have the right to confiscate any cellphone or electronic device used in violation of the schools' code of conduct.
In September, then-School Committee member Tracy O’Connell Novick advocated for a new policy, calling the existing one “fairly draconian” and outdated.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester schools cellphone policy proposal: What to know
