Proposed bill would prohibit Ky. students using cell phones during class time

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WCHS) — Students using cell phones during class time has long been an issue. Kentucky education leaders have left it up to each individual school district to adopt cell phone policies for students with mixed results.

Now, a proposed House bill would ban cell phone usage in all districts during class time with few exceptions.

While cell phones have been an issue in some school districts across Kentucky, school staff in Johnson County feel as though they have solved the problem. In fact, they have figured out a way to incorporate cell phones in the learning process.

In every classroom at Johnson Central High School there is a cell phone caddy. At the beginning of class students put their phones in a slot with an assigned number. The policy is designed to eliminate distractions and help teachers take attendance.In between classes and at lunch students are allowed to use their cell phones.

"Some of our newer teachers have found a way to include that technology in their classroom every day, and they can use cell phones and see students would rather be on a handheld device, cell phone or iPad. They have found a way to make that work for them in their classroom," Johnson Central High School assistant principal Jesse Peck told Eyewitness News.

House Bill 383 is currently making its way through the General Assembly and would ban cell phone usage by students during class time in all Kentucky schools. Supporters say the proposed state law gives extra support to teachers and administrators to enforce a ban.

"I think it's a good idea, but I don't know if making a law is necessary. I think teachers should have power over their classroom," Jocelynn Dials, a 10th grade student at Johnson Central High School said.

She says her parents got her a cell phone for safety reasons.

"They think it could cause problems but they like the safety and being able to communicate, and track me wherever I'm at," Dials explained.

The House Education Committee unanimously passed the legislation. It now heads to the full House for consideration.