Away For The Day | Latest News - Boston Public Schools proposes ban of electronic devices for students

BOSTON (WHDH) - Boston Public Schools (BPS) is proposing a new policy that would prohibit students from using any electronics during the school day, citing research that electronics and social media negatively impact students’ overall well-being and academic performance.

In a memorandum to the Boston School Committee, BPS leaders explained their ideas, writing in part, “The Policy that will be submitted for consideration will prohibit students from possessing personal electronic devices (cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal laptops, Bluetooth devices, including AI glasses, etc.) during the school day. Devices must be turned completely off—not merely set to silent/vibrate—and remain secure and inaccessible ‘bell-to-bell’ (including during classes, passing periods, lunch, and recess). Personal laptops or tablets are not permitted at school; school-administered devices will be provided as necessary.”

BPS said the policy would apply to students Pre-K through Grade 12 across all BPS schools. It said exemptions will be granted to students whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams determine a device is a necessary and reasonable accommodation to support their education.

BPS said it aims to “…improve student mental health, academic engagement, and school culture across the district” with the implementation of the policy.

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Read the full article here.

Boston Public Schools proposes ban of electronic devices for students

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