SHELBY — Cell phone use during school hours will be prohibited at Shelby City Schools this year.
On Monday, the Shelby Board of Education unanimously approved a new cell-phone policy aimed at eliminating classroom distractions.
The policy focuses on the district’s mission “to maximize learning for each student, cultivate a strong foundation of knowledge and foster a sense of community” within Shelby City Schools.
Students will be prohibited from using cell phones at all times during school hours, including lunch, study halls or class changes. Rules also apply to students’ use of other communication devices, including but not limited to smart watches.
“This law will help students stay focused in the classroom by preventing them from being constantly distracted by texts, emails or social-media notifications,” said Michael Browning, Shelby superintendent.
“Because we have Chromebook devices for our students, they will still be connected to the internet for research purposes.”
Exceptions, storage and discipline
The district’s policy does allow for exceptions if a student with an individualized education plan (IEP) has a documented reason for using their cell phone in class.
A student may also use a cell phone to monitor or address a health concern, documented with the school nurse.
School administrators may allow students to have their cell phones under staff supervision for emergency reasons, but must have pre-approval from the building principal.
The policy states students must keep their cell phones in a “secure place, such as the student’s locker, a closed backpack or a storage device provided by the district when cell-phone use is prohibited.”
Consequences for students who violate the policy include:
— First offense: Give the student a verbal warning and require the student to store their cell phone or other electronic communication device.
— Second offense: Securely store the student’s cell phone in an administrator-controlled area for the duration of the school day.
— Third offense: Securely store the student’s cell phone in an administrator-controlled area until a parent or guardian can pick up the device during school hours.
— Fourth offense: Discipline measures following the student handbook for insubordination include but are not limited to: in-school suspension or a complete denial of privileges of bringing a cell phone to school, among other disciplinary actions.
Similar policies forthcoming statewide
In May, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 250 into law.
The bill requires school districts to adopt a cell phone policy — by July 2025 — that emphasizes limited use during school hours and reduced distractions in classrooms.
Supporters of the bill, including Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, have argued that limiting cell phone use will improve mental health and boost student success.
New policies at Shelby and Mansfield City Schools are based largely on a model policy from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
