CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Senate has introduced a bill aimed at limiting student use of mobile phones during instructional time in K-12 classrooms.
Senate Bill 672, sponsored by Senator Patricia Rucker (R-Jefferson), proposes that students be required to place their mobile devices in secure containers during class to minimize distractions and improve learning.
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Under the bill, “instructional time” is defined as periods when students are engaged in approved courses or educational activities under a teacher’s supervision. It does not include time between classes, lunch, or recess.
To enforce this, students would be required to place their mobile phones in lockboxes, cases with locking mechanisms, or other secure locations during class time.
The bill directs the West Virginia State Board of Education and county boards to develop policies restricting or eliminating cell phone use during instructional time.
However, it does allow for certain exceptions.
Students involved in volunteer emergency services, those with medical conditions requiring phone access, and students with disabilities whose individualized education plans necessitate device use would be exempt.
Additionally, English language learners who need their phones for translation and students using their devices for teacher-approved educational purposes would also be permitted to use them.
The legislation also requires that policies include procedures for students and parents to communicate with each other during instructional time.
Before being implemented, these policies must be discussed in open meetings, allowing public feedback.
Schools will also be required to notify parents, teachers, and students about the policy and any updates at the start of each school year.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Education Committee.
