OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA (KOKH) — Back to school is in full swing, and like every year, there’s something new for the incoming class.
A big item is the new cell phone ban across all Oklahoma schools. Phones can be a problem, especially if you’re trying to learn. That’s why the state implemented the bell to bell, no cell policy.
“The law that was passed this last spring by our state legislature requires that every school in Oklahoma have a policy in place that prohibits the use of cell phones during the school day,” said Tony Childers, General Counsel, Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Childers said the goal isn’t to restrict communication between families, but he did provide a breakdown of what is prohibited.
“Prohibits the use of not just cell phones but personal electronic devices so that would include smart watches, smart phones, tablets, AirPods, things like that, that can connect to the internet or connect to a smart phone,” said Childers.
Tulsa Public Schools, also making changes to its cell phone policy ahead of the new school year.
“High school students last year had a little bit of a different policy where cell phones were available at certain times, certain non-instruction times during the day, so starting this year that’ll feel a little bit different for our high school students,” said Caroline Crouch, Executive Director, Communications, Tulsa Public Schools.
With all these changes, what do the actual students think?
“I think eventually, students are really adaptable. It might be a little hard the first couple of weeks, but I think slowly throughout the school year, people will get used to it,” said Amasha Samaraweera, Teen Superintendent, Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Samaraweera said the ban is kind of a bummer, but she says there are some benefits.
“I think that the point of that is to make more physical face-to-face connections, so I hope that students take the time to spark a conversation, make some new friends maybe bring a couple of card games, maybe start a lunchtime card game circle,” said Samaraweera.
Here’s what’s not allowed to be used during school hours: cell phones, smart watches, tablets, AirPods, and anything that can connect to the internet or connect to a smartphone.
You can still bring these devices to school, in the case of an emergency or for after-school hours, you just can’t use them during school hours.
