PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Changes could be on the way for Pinellas County School District students as leaders are looking to make come changes to their cell phone policy.
On Tuesday, the school board is hosting a meeting to discuss changing how students can use their phones before, during and after the official school day.
The current policy states that students can have their phones and other devices at school, school property and school-related functions as long as they are off and out of view while school is in session.
Students are currently allowed to use their phones at these times:
- Before school until the beginning of the school day
- During a student’s lunch period
- During passing periods
- During class for instructional activities, with permission from the teacher
- After school at the end of the school day
Here are the changes Pinellas County education leaders are looking to make at each grade level.
Elementary school students
Elementary students would keep any wireless communication device off throughout the school day and during any school activities on or off campus. The use of phones can be allowed after the end of the day if they need to reach out to their parents in regard to transportation.
Middle school students
Middle school students would also have to keep their devices off during the school day and school activities. However, they would be allowed to use them before and after the official school day begins.
High school students
High school students would be allowed to keep their devices on silent mode during class, and would also be allowed to use them before the school day, after the school day, during lunch and while going to their next class.
For all grade levels, headphones and earbuds are not allowed to be used unless given permission by a teacher. They must be used at minimal volume, meaning it can only be heard by the student using them. One ear must also remain free of any earpiece out of safety concerns.
When it comes to smartwatches, education leaders say students could wear them as long as they are in silent mode. They cannot be worn during district and state assessments.
All students would be allowed to use their devices in cases of health, safety or emergencies.
Other ways leaders would consider unauthorized use of phones and other technology include disrupting an educational environment, violating academic integrity, use in locker rooms or restrooms, taking photos and videos, committing a crime and any manner that would be considered obscene or indecent.
