West Greene High School students are getting used to a new cell phone policy this school year that encourages students to stay focused and engaged throughout the school day.
Under the new policy, students are not permitted to use their phones for any reason while they are in a teacher’s classroom. If a student is caught using their phone during class, the teacher will take the device and send it to Dr. Hildreth, the school’s principal. The phone will then be kept in the office until the end of the school day, when a parent or guardian can pick it up.
While phones are off limits during class, students are still allowed to use them during lunch. This gives students an opportunity to check messages, scroll on social media, or simply take a break and use their phones before returning to class.
The goal of the new policy is to help students stay focused on their classwork while also giving them a designated time to use their phones. By limiting phone use during instructional time, teachers can create a classroom environment where students can participate, communicate with their classmates, and give their full attention to what they are learning.
Although adjusting to a new routine can take some time, students are learning to balance their phone use with their responsibilities in the classroom. With lunch remaining a time when phones are permitted, students still have an opportunity to stay connected while making the most of their time in class.
Editor’s Note: Pennsylvania is moving toward a statewide “bell-to-bell” cell phone policy for public schools. Under the legislation, school entities must adopt policies by the 2027–28 school year that prohibit student use of mobile devices during the school day and establish rules for restricting possession. The policy covers instructional and non-instructional periods, including lunch, recess, homeroom and time between classes. Exceptions are provided for documented medical needs, IEP or 504 accommodations, English-language learning and limited teacher-approved instructional use. Schools must also provide parents with ways to contact students during the school day.
