The movement to ban cell phones in public schools is gaining momentum in Rhode Island.
On Tuesday, the state senate unanimously passed a measure to do just that.
The bill would not just cover phones. Tablets, computers, and smartwatches would also be prohibited, starting in August, along with any other electronic device that connects to the Internet.
Senate Bill 771 makes an exception for students who need such devices because of a disability, or because of medical or linguistic needs. The bill also incorporated privacy guidelines recommended by the ACLU
It would be up to each individual school district to determine how best to implement the plan.
Currently 15 states ban electronic devices because they can be a distraction, not to mention a tool for cheating.
Lawmakers noted that a number of Rhode Island schools participated in a pilot project. Among them, Nathanael Greene Middle School in Providence and Beacon Charter School in Woonsocket required students to lock their devices in Yondr pouches at the start of each school day.
State Sen. Susan Sosnowski (D-South Kingstown) told her senate colleagues the pilot programs were a huge success for students.
“They’re not relying on their electronic device,” she said. “They’re actually listening and learning from the teacher. How novel!”
Although the senate passed its bill 33-0, the state House version got stuck in committee. Last month, members of the House Education Committee voted to hold House Bill 5598 for further study. Gov. Dan McKee has also not yet said whether he would support a ban if both houses approve it.
It’s possible the overwhelming passage of the senate bill will give the idea new steam. But until that happens, this new policy is still very much in the idea stage.
