White County School Board members plan to discuss a policy banning cell phones during class time over the next several months.
The subject came up at the board’s regular meeting Thursday. White County School Board member Tracy Fowler said she plans to pay a visit Warren County in preparation. Warren County has been recognized as a leader in regulating the technology.
“They’re actually seeing grades better, is what they’re telling people, that the grades are getting better for the students this year,” Fowler said. “So, I’m going to reach out to them to be able to bring those statistics to our school board members.”
The new state law allows districts to come up with their own ways to implement the ban and how to punish students. Counties must have something in place before the next school year.
“The next step is we get it on the agenda to look into and go over between us and then vote on what we decided.” Fowler said.
Putnam County in the middle of considering a tougher ban on phones, requiring they be shut off and out of site during the school day. The system cited problems of emotional health and bullying that ramps up during lunch periods, when the phones can currently be on.
“I think it is a good policy by not being distracted by their cell phone going off, playing games and texting another student in the school.” Fowler said.
