Use of cell phones by students prohibited during the school day

By: Mark Johnson

Wherever one goes these days, cell phones seem to be in use, from stores and restaurants to ballparks and backyards.

One place cell phones are not welcome is in the Raytown School District, when they are being used by students.

“The use of any personal electronic devices, including cell phones, iPods, CD players, pagers and PDAs (personal digital assistants), is prohibited during the school day,” Steve Shelton, director of secondary education, said. “They can be disruptive, even during noninstructional times.”

Shelton said there also was a safety issue, citing as an example a situation where students needed to be in their classrooms but one could not hear the instructions because he was wearing headphones.

“They need to be able to hear directions,” he said.

When a student is caught using an electronic device during school hours, it is taken away and the student is then required to pick it up at the office.

“The second time it happens, the student picks it up from an administrator in the office, and the third time and anytime after that, a parent is called in to pick it up,” Shelton said.

Problems associated with using electronic devices extend into several areas, he said.

In addition to creating classrooms disruptions, Shelton said electronic devices could contribute to cheating and online bullying.

“The problems are becoming more prevalent,” he said. “It will continue to be a battle.”

It's not a battle, at least not yet, in the lower grade levels.

“For the most part this has not been a problem,” Linda Schrader, director of elementary education, said.

Shelton said the district, while prohibiting the use of electronic devices during the school day, did recognize that technology had become part of daily life.

“It just has to be used responsibly,” he said.

Shelton also said he recognized the desire of parents to be able to stay in touch with their children.

“I have two daughters myself,” he said. “I understand completely.”

Shelton said, though, that in nearly all cases it would be quicker for a parent to contact their child by going through the school office.

Raytown Editor Mark Johnson can be reached at 358-6397 or mjohnson@npgco.com.