The Perry Community School District Superintendent shares how they have adopted a new policy to align with a new state law relating to the use of cell phones in classrooms.

Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 782, which restricts students from using cell phones during instructional hours of a school day. Superintendent Clark Wicks describes that the district began to incorporate this tactic during this last school year, but now it will be mandatory for all schools in Iowa with it being state law for this upcoming school year. He believes that it’s a good skill to practice because he points out benefits for students to not be glued to your cell phone.

“I think the detrimental piece that cell phones have on kids as far as addiction (is that) it’s one thing to use it as a tool, it’s another thing that you have to be on it constantly. So, as a culture, we need to take a good, strong look at that, and it’s just like anything. Too much of anything is not good for our system, and it’s not good for the brain. And I think it’s a good policy, it’s going to help kids, both emotionally as well as instructionally in learning.”

Wicks acknowledges that the transition will be the easiest if they have participation from students and parents, and highlights their similar policy last year that was received really well by both families.