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The Warren County School District is moving closer to adopting a districtwide policy governing student cell phone use, with school board members Monday night signaling support for stricter limits but calling for different expectations based on grade level.
The board reviewed draft Policy 9951, "Student Use of Electronic Devices," along with two possible sets of procedures. One would prohibit student cell phone use from bell to bell, while the other would allow phones during non-instructional periods such as breakfast, lunch and class transitions.
After discussion, administrators were directed to develop a hybrid approach that would establish different expectations for students in elementary, middle and high school.
Superintendent Gary Weber said the administration would support whichever approach the board ultimately adopts but acknowledged that consistent enforcement would be important.
"We will administer it," Weber said, adding the district could return to the board with recommendations for changes if problems arise after implementation.
Some district buildings have already implemented more restrictive cell phone practices.
Beaty-Warren Middle School was the only district school to implement a complete cell phone ban during the previous school year. Other schools generally restricted phones during instructional periods while allowing use during transitions and lunch.
Weber said Beaty had received "very positive feedback" from parents, teachers and others following the ban.
The district recently received discipline data showing Beaty had 854 fewer discipline referrals during the past school year. However, administrators cautioned that the data does not establish that the cell phone policy caused the reduction.
Several board members said their concerns about student cell phones extend beyond classroom distractions.
Members cited increased screen time, social media, mental health concerns and the need to teach students appropriate technology habits before they enter the workforce.
Board members also raised concerns about the effect of cell phones during emergencies.
Weber said that while having a phone does not necessarily prevent a major emergency, large numbers of students communicating with parents during an incident can complicate the response for emergency personnel.
He said a flood of messages can lead parents to rush to a school, creating traffic and access problems for police, ambulance crews and other first responders.
The discussion led board members toward a possible grade-level distinction.
Several members expressed support for heavier restrictions for younger students while allowing high school students greater responsibility and limited access during appropriate times.
However, administrators noted that enforcement could be more difficult at schools serving multiple grade levels, such as Eisenhower Elementary, Middle and High School, particularly when students are permitted to use phones during lunch and passing periods.
The board also discussed situations in which students may legitimately need access to electronic devices.
The proposed procedures would include exceptions and allow for case-by-case decisions.
Examples discussed included students taking online or dual-enrollment courses during study halls, as some students may need headphones or earbuds to participate in virtual instruction, particularly when course materials include audio or video.
Board members said the policy should provide enough clarity that teachers and administrators know when such exceptions are permitted.
The district also expects to address accommodations involving individual student needs.
The board’s discussion comes as the Pennsylvania Legislature considers statewide requirements for student mobile device use in schools.
House Bill 1814 would require school entities to prohibit student use of mobile devices during the school day and establish restrictions governing possession. Under the proposed legislation, districts would be required to have policies in place by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
The legislation also includes exceptions involving certain medical needs, individualized education programs and 504 plans, English-language learners who require devices for translation, and limited educational uses when a school-issued device is unavailable or insufficient.
Board members acknowledged that any state law ultimately adopted could require the district to amend its policy.
The administration will revise the proposed procedures based on Monday’s discussion and bring them back to the board.
The board discussed potentially approving the policy on first and second reading at its September meeting, although no final decision was made Monday.
Board members indicated they want the revised proposal to address grade-level differences, enforcement, exceptions, virtual learning, headphones and communication between students and parents before voting.
The discussion also left open the possibility of revising the policy after implementation if the district determines that changes are needed.