A new policy implemented by the Boulder Valley School District will prohibit high school students from having cellphones on campus starting in January. The decision, which was almost unanimous among board members, aims to address the negative impact of personal technology devices on students’ mental health and educational experience.
District Superintendent Rob Anderson stated that the policy is part of a “culture shift” away from an overreliance on cellphones and towards increased interaction with peers. The ban on personal technology devices includes cellphones, wearables, cameras, and audio/video recorders, with parents encouraged to communicate with students through school phones and main offices.
While some students and parents expressed concern about the new policy, citing potential negative effects on personal connections and relationships with teachers, others supported the decision as a positive step towards promoting a healthier school environment. Board members approved the policy, with only one vote against it from the board president.
The implementation of the policy will be an iterative process, with details on enforcement to be worked out as the policy goes into effect in January 2025. Despite some opposition, the board believes that the ban on cellphones will ultimately benefit students by promoting a more focused and engaging educational environment.
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