Marietta makes changes to cell phone policy
In response to the passage of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent “Bell-to-Bell” bill, banning the use of cell phones in public schools from the bell signifying the opening of the school day to the bell signifying its closing, the Board of Education at Marietta Public Schools recently made changes to their policy for Personal Electronic Devices to reflect the change in law.
Although the newly adopted policy is aimed at cell phones, it defines a “personal electronic device” as a “personal device capable of connecting to a smart phone, the Internet, or a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connecting to another similar device.”
According to the policy, personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to, smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses.”
The policy acknowledges that students may be issued a device such as a laptop or tablet owned by the school. Those school-issued, school-approved devices are exempt from the policy – and the law.
Marietta’s new policy does not entirely prohibit the possession of a personal electronic device, as the law targets use of the device, not its possession. Students are allowed to possess a personal electronic device while on school premises, while in transit under the school’s authority, or while attending school-sponsored or authorized functions, with the consent of the student’s parent or guardian.
There are some exceptions to the policy which would be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
The policy goes on to state that students who are found to be using a personal electronic device for any illegal purpose, violation of privacy, or send or receive personal messages, data, or information that would contribute to or constitute cheating will be subject to disciplinary measures.
Additionally, students who violate the terms of the policy may be disallowed from carrying a personal cellular device.
“We are supportive of this legislation as we know that cell phones have proven to be a distraction to learning,” said district Superintendent Brandi Naylor. “We want to get as much communication to our parents as soon as possible so they aren’t surprised. We need their help to enforce this new law, and we want them to know about the policy so they aren’t surprised if discipline has to be handed out.”