Do you enjoy blasting music through your headphones during IF with your personal computer, playing games, all meanwhile texting your friends on your phone?
Not anymore.
On June 20, Forsyth County School (FCS) announced they would enact a ban on personal technological devices starting with the 25-26 school year. This ban was inspired by a state-wide bill that prohibited personal device usage for kindergarten through middle school students; however, South Forsyth decided to expand this policy to apply through seniors. However, high school students are still permitted to access their phones during lunch.
This ban on personal devices includes more than just phones.
“All personal electronic devices — including phones, earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets — must be turned off and stored away during instructional time, from the first bell to the last, except during a student’s assigned lunch period,” said South Forsyth High School’s weekly community newsletter, released on Aug. 4.
Many concerns pertaining to this ban have arisen over the past few months. Students and parents have both voiced safety concerns about having no access to their personal devices. However, school staff emphasize the importance of students having no distractions in their learning environment.
“We want less distractions, less worrying who’s sending a Snapchat, less worried about who’s texting,” said Haw Creek elementary principal Dr. Ashley Johnsy, when interviewed by WSB-TV.
The importance of creating a distraction-free learning environment was highly stressed by teachers and county officials.
When the policy was first announced, local news station WSB-TV also covered many sides of the device policy.
“It’s an effort to eliminate any distractions in the classroom,” said Audrey Washington, anchor at WSB-TV.
As many students relied on their personal laptops for schooling, SFHS issued each student their own chromebook to keep on their person. This means students are responsible for keeping it charged and safe throughout the day and at home.
There are a few exceptions regarding the personal device policy for students with special medical needs. This policy is specified in Section 2 of the Georgia House bill.
“A student whose Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan, or medical plan explicitly mandates the use of a personal electronic device for medical or educational purposes shall be permitted to access the device as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the respective program or plan,” according to Forsyth County Board Policy JCDAF.
Even with some exceptions, parents have shared concerns about not having access to their children if they need to communicate. Many teachers emphasized the importance of safety and communication with students throughout the school day, and have encouraged parents to utilize the classroom phone system if necessary.
According to FCS, the phone ban is an attempt to eliminate distractions in the classroom, not to cut off communication between students and parents.
“I think it’s good for students so they can concentrate on school studies, not on social media,” said Min Qin, a Forsyth County student, when interviewed on WSB-TV.
While it’ll take time to get used to the new technology ban, school officials are hopeful that the ban will help students to learn and reach their full potential in the classroom.
If students or parents have any concerns or questions about the ban, they are encouraged to contact their school to express these concerns and/or questions.
