CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) – A bill passed in the state legislature would require school districts to ban cell phones during class. The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is already seeing success of a similar policy.
The bill would require school boards to adopt policies banning the use of personal cell phones and other personal devices during instructional time. It allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, or a student’s individualized education plan. School-issued devices would still be allowed.
That is similar to the CFAUSD’s policy. Cell phones are not allowed during the school day at elementary and middle schools. Phones are allowed at the high school only between classes and during lunch.
The policy was put in place two years ago. Since then Chippewa Falls High School dean of students Joe Nelson says they have seen students paying better attention in class.
“Substitutes who visit our school also notice our students are very compliant with the rules so it’s been really good,” Nelson said. “Cell phone write ups are down, student interaction amongst each other is up, it’s just been really good overall.”
Nelson said they have phone-free Fridays where students can volunteer to hand in their phone for the day to be entered to win prizes. He says that has helped students buy in to the policy.
The Altoona and Eau Claire Area school districts have similar policies where phones are not allowed during the day at elementary and middle schools. In high school phones are only allowed during class time if the teacher approves it.
The bill passed the state Assembly and Senate. It now heads to Governor Evers’ desk.
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