KANSAS CITY, Mo — Some school districts in the Kansas City area are starting the new year with new cell phone rules for students.
Olathe Public Schools approved a new policy earlier this month.
For early childhood through eighth grade, cell phones or smart watches are not allowed. Students can keep phones in their lockers or backpacks.
High school students can’t use their devices unless it’s a part of their school work and allowed by a teacher.
Gardner Edgerton is also enforcing new rules, which the district detailed at length in July.
One of the main objectives the district hopes to address is to minimize distractions at schools.
At the state level, a Kansas State Department of Education task force will focus on cell phone use in school.
“At least three states across the U.S. have banned cell phones in schools, including Florida, South Carolina and Indiana,” wrote Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson in a blog post discussing the task force. “Other states have created phone policies and early childhood screen limits.”
Olathe students told KSHB 41 they understand why the rule needs to be in place.
"I get it, like if it’s school hours and you can’t have a phone, because I know it’s a distraction," Gemma Ubrik said.
One mother, Jessica Frith, is in favor because she's worried about the toll cellphones and social media takes on students.
However, as a parent, she has safety concerns.
"Like if something happens, I’d want to be able to contact my kid," Frith said.
A new policy like this comes with learning curves, but in this case, it includes students learning how to live without their devices.
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Parents, teachers and students — What do you think? You can contact our reporter Caroline Hogan by emailing her at Caroline.Hogan@kshb.com
