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MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Citing a need to maintain an environment conducive to learning, Berkeley County Schools has unveiled a plan to prohibit the use of most personal communications devices during class time.
A draft of the policy is out for public comment through 4 p.m. August 21, but BCS tells The Panhandle News Network, the regulations will be in place on the first day of school, which is August 19th.
Under the new plan, “the use of smartphones, cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, air pods, or Bluetooth headphones during class time is strictly prohibited,” according to the draft.
For students in grades 6 through 12, “Students may bring personal electronic devices to school, but they must be placed on silent or turned off and must be Off and Away
at all times during instructional periods, which are defined by the school’s bell schedule, and class changes. Principals may allow the use of personal electronic
devices before the first instructional period, during lunch, and after school.”
For students in Pre-K through 5th grade, the policy states, ” Students may bring personal electronic devices to school, but they must be placed on silent or turned off and must remain Off
and Away in the student’s locker, backpack, or teacher-designated area at all times during the school day while on school grounds. Usage may resume at the 29 end of the school day upon dismissal.”
Students in the upper grades may not use personal electronic devices for any purpose,
including calls, texting, internet browsing, social media, photography, or any other applications during instructional periods or class changes, according to the policy.
Using cell phones or other cameras to record altercations on school grounds or at school events is prohibited. In such cases, phones will be confiscated as evidence.
Students in the lower grades may not use personal electronic devices for any purpose, including calls, texting, internet browsing, social media, photography, or any other applications during the school day.
There are some exceptions. During inclement weather or during extenuating circumstances, students may request permission from the teacher to use their cell phone. Another exception reads, “Personal Electronic Devices may be used if needed for coursework and if clearly outlined in the lesson plan.” There are also exceptions for medical or learning needs covered under an IEP or 504 plan.
Personal Electronic Devices are defined as devices not issued or owned by Berkeley County Schools.
The plan is a draft policy until approved by the board. It is available for public comment until 4 pm on August 21. The Berkeley County Board of Education is expected to vote on the policy at a board meeting next month.
In introducing the policy, BCS writes, “To maintain an environment conducive to learning and minimize distractions, the use of
smartphones, cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, air pods, or Bluetooth headphones
during class time is strictly prohibited. Cell phones can be a significant distraction in the
classroom, disrupting the learning process for students and teachers. By limiting the use
of personal electronic devices during class, our schools can encourage students to
focus on their studies, participate actively in class discussions, and engage more deeply
with the learning materials. A policy addressing the use of personal electronic devices
minimizes distractions by restricting or regulating usage during the school day, which
begins when students enter the building and ends upon dismissal. This policy applies
to all students during the school day.”
