BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem Area School District has a new cell phone policy that restricts students’ cell phone use during the school day.
But the new policy allows high schoolers special privileges to use their phones at lunch and in the hallways.
The school board approved the policy Monday. It applies to cell phones and other non-district-issued electronic devices that “create disruption to the school environment,” according to the district policy manual.
Approval of the new policy comes after school directors spent weeks discussing the negative impacts of cell phone use on students’ academics and mental health, as well as potential procedures for schools to implement.Bethlehem Area School Board meetings
Approval of the new policy comes after school directors spent weeks discussing the negative impacts of cell phone use on students’ academics and mental health, as well as potential procedures for schools to implement.
In March, a video gained attention online of a Bethlehem Area teacher seemingly trying to wrestle a cell phone out of a student’s hands.
School board leaders, however, said the incident didn’t prompt the new policy. The district administration has been developing it since spring 2023.
Rules by grade level
The new policy will take effect next school year.
Under it, devices aren’t banned from school grounds, but there are rules about when students can have them in their possession.
Elementary and middle school students can't use their cell phones at all during the school day, according to internal district procedures.
Teachers and staff are expected to enforce the cell phone policy.New Bethlehem Area Schools cell phone policy
The phones must be silenced and placed in a location designated by the school administration.
High school students can use their cell phones during the school day only during non-instructional times.
When the bell rings at the beginning of each class, students must place their silenced devices in the school’s designated location.
They can't take their phones with them if they leave the room during class time, such as to use the bathroom or go to the office.
Teachers and staff are expected to enforce the cell phone policy.
And building principals are responsible for making sure staff has been trained on “how to use a restorative approach to teach students the importance of an electronic device restriction to support the learning environment,” according to internal procedures.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to the policy for students who need electronic devices for documented medical, behavioral or special needs, such as for students with disabilities.
There’s also an exception for students who are members of a volunteer fire company, ambulance or rescue squad.
Exceptions require approval from the school principal.
Students are allowed to use their cell phones when on school property outside of the school day for activities. But the district maintains the right to restrict this use at its discretion.
The district also can approve the use of cell phones in special situations, such as for special events, emergencies or instructional purposes.
