Multiple RI school cell phone bans go into effect

SCITUATE, R.I. (WLNE) — As Scituate heads back to school, Scituate High School is implementing a district-wide cell phone policy.

The “Away for the Day” policy means students will not be allowed to have cell phones in classrooms during the school day.

This also applies to laptops, tablets and any other electronic devices.

This follows the new law passed by state legislators, which requires all Rhode Island school districts to implement a cell phone ban policy.

Smithfield also begins its cell phone ban today.

At Smithfield public schools, cell phone use is limited to lunch time, the library and media center and in the front lobby.

Each classroom will be equipped with a bin to collect students’ phones at the start of class.

Students will not be able to retrieve their phones to go to the bathroom during class.

AirPods and headphones are also not allowed unless it’s part of a class lesson.

Smithfield is also cracking down on vaping in schools.

Students are reminded there will be consequences for vaping.

According to the Valley Breeze, vape-detecting devices may soon be added to Smithfield High School and middle school bathrooms.

In Woonsocket, students can’t use cell phones or electronic devices on school property or during school activities unless they’re granted permission to do so.

If a student violates the policy, the electronic device will be confiscated for one day for the first offense, five days for the second and ten days for the third.

We reached out to West Warwick’s superintendent about any future cell phone policies.

The policies must be in effect by next year.