MEMPHIS, Tenn. – When Marshall County students go back to school in the fall, they’ll have to put away their cell phones.
During the school day, children in grades 5-12 will be required to place their phones, smart watches and other devices in magnetically sealed bags.
Dr. Carrie Skelton, superintendent of the Marshall County School District, said they want students to be less focused on their phones and more engaged in learning.
“Kids are addicted to their cell phones. I mean, adults are too, but so much research is going on right now about the health of students and they’re addicted to their cell phones,” Skelton said. “I know a lot of kids are going to see this as a punishment, but It’s not a punishment. It’s actually something that hopefully helps them.”
Students will always have their phones handy, but you’ll need a magnetic tool to unlock their Yondr Phone Bag.
“There will be some portables that administrators can carry around, but there will be wall-mounted bases on each door,” Skelton said.
The Marshall County School Board approved the Yondr bags, which are now being used in over 2,000 school districts nationwide.
According to Yondr, a survey of 1,200 school partners who implemented the program says they saw an 84 percent change in student engagement, a 72 percent positive change in student behavior, and a 68 percent positive change in academic performance.
The bags cost about $30 each. The school district said if a student damages the bag, their parents will have to pay a replacement fee.
Skelton said parents who need to contact their children during the school day can do it the old-fashioned way.
“They can contact the school through the secretariat or email. They all have primary email addresses. They have our email addresses. You know, they’re going to contact us like they did before phones at school.”
But students WREG spoke with are skeptical.
“At first, I thought it was a good idea, but then I thought if I have to text my mom about things that are important and I don’t want anyone else around me to hear them, then I was like, me. I don’t like it,” said Byhalia High School student Skylar Beard.
The school district said if a student is caught using their cell phone at school, their parents will be called to retrieve it and the student could face disciplinary action.
The District has not addressed what the critical need for a cell phone may be during an active assault situation or violent school events. The district says it will provide more specific information about the new policy as the school year approaches.
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Image Source : wreg.com