Wichita Public Schools have deemed each school in the district to be a “Personal Electronic Device Free Zone.” Beginning this school year, cell phones, computers, smartwatches, headphones, smart glasses and any other personal electronic devices are banned during the school day, including lunch and passing periods.
Comments on Wichita Public Schools’ social media posts show the wide range of public responses to the new policy. Wichita Chief of Schools Loren Hatfield said she has received varied feedback from parents, but the “significant majority” are “very supportive” of the cell phone ban. At a press conference this week, Hatfield said the district wants to remind people of the benefits of the new policy.
“It is a change with a clear purpose: keeping our students’ attention on learning and engaging,” said Kelly Bielefeld, Wichita Public Schools superintendent. “We are committed to making sure all students are future-ready, and when students enter the workforce, there will be expectations around personal phone use from their employers. Learning the strategies now will help them in the future.”…