Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Misuse Of Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Policy committee weighs tighter limits on student cell phone use after SRO briefing
Summary
Trustees discussed possible rules restricting student cell phone use after a policy committee meeting that included a presentation from the Casper Police Department school resource officer. No formal policy change was voted; committee plans further work.
The Natrona County School District #1 board spent substantial time discussing student cell phone use during a reported policy committee meeting, citing law-enforcement observations and emerging research on adolescent health.
Trustee Stadelli, reporting from the policy committee, said the committee heard from Sergeant Sarah Nelson of the Casper Police Department, head of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, who told trustees that restricting cell phone use in schools correlated with a decline in phone-related negative behavior. Stadelli said the committee also reviewed a video summary from Dr. Deborah Davis that highlighted the need for research on cell phones’ effects on adolescent brain development and on electromagnetic radiation.
The committee’s discussion included concerns about smartwatches and smart glasses, classrooms that rely on phones for instructional tasks, students who need phones for health reasons, and staff who use phones for necessary communication. Trustees described the conversation as “lengthy and spirited” and said the topic requires differentiated approaches for elementary and secondary schools.
No formal board vote or policy adoption occurred at the meeting; Stadelli said policy meetings are open to the public and indicated the policy committee will continue work and present recommendations at a future meeting. Several trustees thanked community members and staff who contributed to the discussion.
Trustee True Wells and others said community input will be considered as the committee develops potential next steps, and the committee’s next meeting is scheduled for April.
