Local schools still allowing cell phones

CHENEY – As many school districts nationwide ban cell phones on campus, Cheney and Medical Lake are bucking the trend.

Reardan-Edwall and Peninsula school districts are now banning student use of cell phones on their campuses.

Spokane School District, too, is partially banning student cellphone use. There, elementary pupils are banned from using phones during school hours, including lunch. Middle schoolers will have lunch-time privileges and high schoolers will be able to use them between classes and at lunch.

Medical Lake School District officials haven’t taken the ban up.

“At this time, the Medical Lake School District has not implemented, nor discussed the possibility of a ban on cell phones,” Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Rob Haugen said.

According to district policy, cell phone use is allowed before and after school on all campuses. Students in the middle and high school may also use cell phones during lunch and high school students can also use their phones during passing time.

Cheney School District will not be banning cell phones either, Superintendent Ben Ferney, EdD. said.

Ferney emphasized the district’s commitment to balancing the benefits and potential distractions that cell phones present.

“We are aware that some school districts have decided to ban cell phones for students,” he said. “However, we are interested in understanding what the overall outcome of educational benefits will be with such a policy.”

Ferney highlighted cell phones’ potential as educational tools.

“They also offer educational opportunities when used responsibly,” he said. “Our goal is to support academic focus while preparing students for success in a technology-driven world.”