When Richmond Public School students return from winter break on Monday, they will not be allowed to use their cellphones during instructional time from the first to last bell.
By restricting cellphone use during school hours, RPS said its goals are to enhance student learning, promote engagement and improve student well-being by reducing technology dependence and potential for cyberbullying.
Breakdown of RPS cellphone-free learning policies
Pre-K and elementary school (Pre-K–5th grade)
- Cellphones are prohibited during school hours and at school-sponsored events. Students are permitted to have cellphones in their possession; however, the cellphone must be turned off and stored out of sight.
Middle and high schools (6th–12th grade)
Students may use cellphones at designated times and in accordance with the parameters specified in the following section:
- May use their cellphone while riding the school bus by utilizing headphones, earbuds or personal listening equipment so as not to disturb others
- May have cellphones in their possession; however, the cellphone must be turned off and stored out of sight after the first bell or equivalent signifying the beginning of the school day. The phones must remain off until the last bell or equivalent signifying the end of the school day.
- May use their phone at the conclusion of the day and at after-hour school-sponsored events provided that they do not disrupt or interfere with the activity or program that is taking place
- May use their devices while transitioning to school and home
Exceptions will be made for students with medical or educational needs who have the proper documentation or approval.
Consequences for violating cellphone-free policies
During the Dec. 2 school board meeting, Chief Wellness Officer Renesha Parks unveiled the district’s tiered approach to discipline students violating cellphone-free policies.
First violation: verbal warning and documentation by school staff.
Second violation: written warning, parental/caregiver contact, and potential for temporary confiscation of the device that may require caregiver pick-up.
Third violation: disciplinary action, such as restorative room assignment for a class period or day or out-of-school suspension (depending on the severity and frequency of violations). This may also include temporary confiscation of the device.
In her presentation, Parks noted that if a student is caught using a cellphone to cheat, cyberbully or participate in illegal activities, this may result in immediate confiscation, suspension, law enforcement involvement and/or legal action.
RPS started crafting a districtwide cellphone-free policy after Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 in July calling on the commonwealth’s school districts to implement cellphone-free education policies by Jan. 1.
In compliance with EO 33 and the Virginia Department of Education guidelines for cellphone-free learning environments, the Richmond School Board unanimously amended the acceptable technology and cellphone use policy in November.
