In Virginia, two schools are experimenting with different approaches to managing smartphone use during the school day. At Martin Luther King Middle School in Richmond, students are required to hand in their phones each morning, which are stored in locked pouches to prevent distractions. This strict policy, piloted last year, has led to increased engagement, improved test scores, and fewer disruptions, according to Principal Annette Dabney.
In contrast, Huguenot High School allows students to keep their phones but restricts their use to between periods and during lunch. This approach, which evolved from a previous trial with locked pouches, aims to balance the need for emergency access with minimizing classroom distractions. Principal Michael Massa believes this method helps avoid the negative impact of completely removing phones, as it recognizes the need for students to stay connected for practical reasons.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/virginia-smartphones-school-two-schools-approaches