TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

See No Phones, Hear No Phones

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

Students of all ages may bring cell phones to school, but starting on the first day of school this year, they must be out of sight.

If not, the phone is to be confiscated, even if it is not on or being used.

State law allows students to bring the phones to school. Each district determines whether and how they may be used. Hillsborough determined that cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off during school hours, but the rule was ignored or enforced randomly. Texting and calling became a major distraction, resulting in the new rule.

If a student is caught with a cell phone or other electronic device during school hours, the phone will be confiscated by a teacher or administrator. Administrators at each school will determine consequences, although the district could later determine districtwide consequences, depending on the effectiveness of school enforcement.

The rule includes all electronic devices, such as mp3 players and video games. It also covers students riding on buses.

Marilyn Brown

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT