Cell Phone Policy

Richmond Public Schools (RPS) recognizes the increasing prevalence of cell phones and other mobile devices (tablets, smartwatches, laptops, etc.) among students. While these devices can be valuable tools for learning, they can also disrupt the educational environment and create safety concerns. In order to foster a focused and secure learning atmosphere where students are fully engaged, RPS is fully implementing a cell phone-free learning environment policy for all students as required by Virginia Executive Order 33. 

RPS recognizes that cell phones can be powerful tools for teaching and learning. However, cell phones also increase access to distractions like social media and messaging apps. National nonprofit ExcelinEd noted that the rise of smartphones and social media has been linked to declining academic achievement as well as increases in classroom disruptions and distractions. We believe that by limiting the use of cell phones, students will be able to focus more on the teacher and their lessons — increasing their academic success in the long term.

Bell to bell means from when the first bell rings at the start of the school day to the beginning of instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the academic school day.

Cell phones, wearable technology (smart watches, smart glasses, etc.), tablets, and any other non-RPS-issued technology. This applies to all students from Preschool to 12 unless otherwise noted via documented special accommodations.

Yes, students will be allowed to use RPS-issued Chromebooks.

RPS students may use their mobile devices while in transition on the school bus. Students are prohibited from filming and recording other students while in transition to and from school. Headphones or earbuds are encouraged. Students must maintain a low volume when listening to music and viewing items with sound.

Cell phones are not an option for instructional use. We would recommend schools have alternative methods for accessing instructional programs (such as having additional Chromebooks on site).

Coming back from the pandemic, many parents, teachers, and administrators have shared that student mental health is a key priority. Data shows that anxiety and depression in teens can be exacerbated by social media and that extensive cell phone use increases those mental health risks. In May of 2023 the American Psychological Association even issued a health advisory for social media, sharing that evidence suggests that exposure to maladaptive behavior may promote similar behavior among vulnerable youth. Our hope is that by eliminating cell phone use in schools, we can lessen or curb some of the negative effects on students’ mental health.

We understand that cell phones are an important part of many students' lives, and that they provide parents and caregivers security in the rare case of an emergency while at school. 

For Parents/Caregivers Contacting Students:

• Contact the School's Main Office. This is the primary way to reach your child/children when there are schedule changes or emergencies. However communication via email and Class Dojo are acceptable forms of contact. The office staff at your child's school will relay messages to students promptly. It is recommended that schedule changes are written clearly explaining the event and any instructions. 
• Ex: “John will be picked up at 10:00 am for a doctor's appointment. All items can remain in school. He will return after the appointment.”
• Ex: “John will not participate in the extended day program on Thursday. Please ensure that he rides the bus home.” 
   

For Students Contacting Parents/Caregivers:

• Students should inform a teacher or any RPS School Staff member about the need to contact their parent/caregiver.
• Schools have designated phones within offices (Counselor, Nurse, Care & Safety, Instructional Compliance Coordinator, and/or Main Office) that are available to students in case of an emergency.  
   

For School-wide Emergencies:

• RPS has procedures for communicating with parents/caregivers during emergencies, such as school lockdowns or evacuations due to fire. This may include:
  • Automated phone calls/texts using the Remind messaging system. 
  • Emails
  • Updates on the RPS website and social media channels

In the event of any incident within the school, RPS uses Remind to share information with families quickly and accurately.  

Cell phones bring several behavioral challenges inside school walls, as well. Over the last several years, we’ve seen an increase in referrals due to cyberbullying, pornography access, and unwanted filming of peers. While these incidents are still rare, we are hopeful that a cell phone-free school environment will decrease their overall number. 

We plan to take a tiered approach to discipline regarding students’ cell phone use in school. Consequences for misuse are as follows: 

1. 1st Time: Verbal warning and documentation by school staff.
2. 2nd Time: Written warning, parental/caregiver contact, and potential for temporary confiscation of the device that may require caregiver pick up.
3. 3rd Time: Disciplinary action, such as restorative room assignment for a class period or day, or out-of-school suspension (depending on the severity and frequency of violations). This may also include temporary confiscation of the device.  Elementary students may participate in individual or small group sessions with the school counselor and/or behavior specialist with prioritized topics to include making good choices and helping students understand how their choices can lead to increased consequences.
4. Severe violations: (e.g., using devices for cheating, cyberbullying, or illegal activities) may result in immediate confiscation, suspension, law enforcement, and/or legal action.

No, phones must be stored and out of sight during the entirety of the school day.

Yes. Confiscation procedures are as follows:

1. Verbal Warning: For the first time, the teacher or staff member will issue a verbal warning to the student, reminding them of the cell phone policy and instructing them to put the device away.
2. Device Collection: The staff member will collect the device and place it in a secure, designated container or location within the classroom or office.
3. Documentation: The staff member will complete a confiscation form, recording the student's name, date, time, device type, reason for confiscation, and any relevant details.
4. Parent/Guardian Notification: The school will promptly notify the parent/guardian about the confiscation, explaining the reason and outlining the process for retrieving the device.

• First Time: The device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
• Second Time: The device will be returned to the parent/guardian
• Subsequent Times: The device may be held for a longer period or until a meeting with the parent/guardian

Confiscated devices will be stored in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or designated office area, to prevent damage, loss, or unauthorized access.

The Cell Phone Policy is mandatory for all students.

Allowable exemptions for cell phones and personal electronic communication devices must be written into 504 Plans, IEP (Individual Education Program), individualized Health Care Plans, and/or Language Support Plans.

All individualized health care plans that include cell phone or personal electronic communication device usage must be approved by the School Nurse Coordinator, Director of Student Services, or Superintendent’s designee. RPS reserves the right to deny requests that do not align with the policy. However, all existing data and new documentation will be considered as a part of the decision-making process. 

If a student with a disability or an ELL (English Language Learner) student with a documented language barrier is determined to require access to technology to ensure the provision of a free and appropriate public education, IEP (Individualized Education Program), Limited English Proficiency plan, or 504 teams should collaborate to consider appropriate identification and use of assistive technology to support a student's unique needs. Richmond Public Schools has considered students’ IEPs and 504 plans in the creation of the RPS Acceptable Use and Cell Phone Policy. School-based devices for assistive technology will be provided as appropriate. Considerations will be given to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and any potential implications that would bring unnecessary attention to impacted students.

Students who refuse to surrender their device when requested by a staff member may be subject to reassignment to the restorative room or suspension from school. Parents will be notified by the school administrator or designee

All RPS staff members will receive training on the cell phone policy, confiscation protocol, and appropriate device handling procedures. Staff will be trained in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies to address potential issues during confiscation, and will receive instruction on proper documentation and communication protocols for confiscations, to ensure accurate record-keeping and timely parent notification. In addition, teachers will be offered resources and support to integrate Chromebooks responsibly into their lessons by the RPS Ed Tech Integrator Team.