Hundreds Of Students Suspended For Violating Cell Phone Policies

by Heather McLaughlin

Some schools are taking their cell phone bans very seriously. In Virginia Beach, hundreds of students have faced disciplinary action for bringing their mobile phones into the classroom. Under the school policy, students are only allowed to display/use their phones before and after the school day.

Through September, 308 high school students faced in-school suspensions for violating the new policy. That’s up from 268 first-time infractions last September. Second offenses were also up slightly, from seven last year to 10 this year.

“Once the students realize that we are serious about this issue, I would expect the numbers to drop in the coming months,” said Freddie Alarcon, executive assistant to the superintendent.

Hazel Jessee, assistant superintendent for high schools, said principals have given the new policy credit for reducing confrontations over cell phones. She said, however, that it’s too early to make an overall judgment on its effectiveness.

Needless to say, many parents are unhappy about the decision to hand down in-school suspension for having a cell phone in the classroom and are considering taking legal action because the rule isn’t consistently followed.

What are your thoughts on cell phone bans in the classroom? Is this good for students and educators?

Hampton Roads