SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — Phones are out, and focus is in.
South Bend Schools unveiled new rules for cell phone use in schools.
They have to be out of sight and turned off throughout the day with limited exceptions.
“Actually, I think it’s wonderful because our students need to get the best education,” said Andrea Lane, SBCSC bus driver.
A big change will soon be ringing into South Bend Schools following a new Indiana State Law.
South Bend Schools unveiled new rules for cell phone use in schools. (WSBT 22)
The law cracked down on cell phone use during the entire school day.
That includes classes, passing periods, lunch, study halls and other school-day activities.
“It is necessary, so I talked again talk to staff. They think it’s good increase in performance in the classroom, create less distractions, and obviously, there’s an emergency; you know they always use the office phone, so I think everyone’s on board and we’ll have parents know ahead of time,” said Carlos Leyva, SBCSC board member.
South Bend Schools unveiled new rules for cell phone use in schools. (WSBT 22)
The new directive will take effect on July 1st, and the school corporation says it’s doing this to comply with the new state law.
Students will have to turn off their phones and store them in their lockers for the entire school day, as educators hope to limit their distractions.
But some students may still use their device if:
- It’s required by an IEP or 504 Plan
- It’s needed for a documented medical condition
- The superintendent authorized its use during an emergency
- It’s needed for language translation for multilingual learners
“And as long as it’s not touched during the day, they will be okay. And that is simply to remain in compliance with Indiana law,” said Mansour Eid, SBCSC superintendent.
South Bend Schools unveiled new rules for cell phone use in schools. (WSBT 22)
If students are caught using their phones during school, the device will be confiscated, and a parent or guardian will have to get it back from the administration.
“It’s gonna be better for the students. It’s gonna be better for the teachers because now they can teach; they don’t have to say ‘Johnny, put down your phone.’ You don’t need to use your cell phone when you’re in school because that’s the time for learning,” said Lane.
If you’re a parent and need to reach your student, you can call the school’s office. Students can also use the office phone to call home.
The school board will vote on the policy at their next meeting, but the directive will still go into effect on July 1st.
