Bell-to-bell cellphone ban recommended by Denver Public Schools committee

Melanie Asmar, Chalkbeat Colorado

Denver Public Schools could adopt a bell-to-bell cellphone ban if it follows the recommendation of a community committee.

DPS formed the 17-member committee in response to a new state law that requires all Colorado school districts to adopt a policy on student cellphone use by July 1. The law doesn’t require a ban; rather, it allows each district to come up with its own rules.

Cellphone bans are increasingly common nationwide as schools try to reduce distractions in class and improve students’ mental health. Some educators are expanding technology prohibitions even further by dropping laptops from their classrooms, too.

While other Colorado districts already have policies in place, Denver, the state’s largest district with more than 89,000 students, does not. The committee of parents, educators, and community members was tasked by the district with coming up with recommendations, which the Denver school board heard for the first time Wednesday night.

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