ntucky Schools to Change Communication and Cell Phone Policies
New laws impact student communication, phone use, and daily reflection.
- New Kentucky laws impact school communication and cell phone use.
- Communication must occur on traceable systems.
- Cell phone use is restricted during instructional time.
- A daily moment of silence is now required.
Kentucky schools are about to look and feel different. Are cell phone policies and communication rules changing in Kentucky schools? Yes, because three new laws went into effect Friday that will significantly alter the landscape of student-teacher interaction and personal device use.
Communication Overhaul
A newly revised chapter of Kentucky Revised Statute 160 mandates that all communication between school district employees or volunteers and students must occur within a traceable communication system. This system will be designated by each school district’s board of education.
The goal is to increase clarity and accountability. Parents will have the right to access and review thes communications.
Outside of the designated system, communication between a school employee and a student is prohibited unless a parent provides written consent authorizing contact. Sydney Oswald, a former student in Marshall County, believes the change will help students. “I see the importance of it, without a doubt, as, you know, we all hear the stories about, you know, situations between students and teachers, and I think that that is something we all don’t want to happen,” she said.
Differing Opinions
Abbi Crawford, a Lyon County High School graduate, understands the need to protect minors, but she feels that monitoring every conversation is excessive. “I found importance in being able to message my teachers…I probably texted a teacher every single day…in high school,” crawford said. “It’s easier communication. they try to say you can email. You can, but I just don’t feel like that’s convenient.”
Crawford also raised concerns about students confiding sensitive data with school personnel, information she believes shoudl remain private. “I don’t feel like that should be taken away, either. I don’t feel like all of that should be monitored,” Crawford said. “There are obviously certain situations where stuff happens and it comes out and those are issues, but I don’t think that the bad things outweigh the positives of that situation.”
Cell Phones Silenced?
Kentucky Revised Statute 158.165 requires each public school district to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using cell phones during instructional time. Exceptions will be made for emergencies or when a teacher authorizes phone use.
Crawford believes students should always have access to their cell phones. “Me and my parents both always felt safer with me having my phone,just having a way for my parents to communicate with me,” she said. “I think whenever you’re in school, there’s no reason for kids – students – to be on their phones, so I get that side.”
Oswald echoed this sentiment, saying that students should at least have access to their phones. “I think it’s vital for kids to have cell phones, or use of their phones at least,” she said. “If there’s, like, a middle ground, like at lunchtime, or whatever, you can check your phone…I feel like that would be easier for students and parents.”
A moment of Reflection
Kentucky Revised Statute 158.175 was amended to require a one-minute minimum moment of silence at the start of the first class in each public school. During this time, students can meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity.
