Peters School District adopts ban on cellphones
The Peters Township School District has updated its cellphone policy to prohibit students from using them throughout the school day.
The district has taken this step in anticipation of a statewide ban on student cellphone use that could go into effect in 2027. Both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate have approved separate bills that would prohibit cellphone use in schools, and Gov. Josh Shapiro backs the effort, saying that “our kids deserve to learn in a classroom that’s free from distraction and where they can spend real time together, free from screens.”
Other school districts in Washington County have also enacted bans, with prohibitions by the Washington and Ringgold school districts dating back to 2022.
The adjustments to Peters’ cellphone policies have been in the works for several months. At a school board meeting in June, board member Sarah Kennedy said changes were coming and “we will be making adjustments to the (student) handbook.”
The new rules in Peters forbid students from using cellphones, smart devices or any portable device capable of accessing the internet during the school day, including smart watches. Students who bring their phones or other devices to school have to keep them powered off during the day or in airplane mode, and store them in lockers or cubbies.
Students will be able to use electronic devices during extracurricular activities after school at the discretion of a coach or adviser. Exceptions will also be available for students with medical needs, such as diabetic monitoring. Parents or guardians will be able to contact students through a school office.
Students who try to skirt the ban will have their phones confiscated. For students in grades 6-12, a Saturday detention is among the penalties for a third offense, and for students in grades K-5, a parent conference would be required, along with the possibility of an in- or out-of-school suspension for a third offense.