Johnston Public Schools restricts cell phone use during school hours
JOHNSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Johnston Public Schools released a statement Friday outlining a new policy that restricted the use of cell phones during school hours.
"The Johnston School Department recognizes that while cellular devices can have some educational value, this is outweighed by the disruption they cause to the learning environment," the school system said.
The new policy said that students cannot use "personal electronic devices" for the purposes of text messaging, video recording, and photographing functions unless an exemption is written for them.
The prohibited devices include a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, computer, smartwatch, or other electronic devices not owned or provided to a student by a public school "that is capable of communication through the internet or a wireless network."
"Personal electronic devices must be concealed according to individual school guidelines during school hours," the policy said. "Communication with parents and/or guardians shall be facilitated through the school's main office."
