Athens High School has announced a new cell phone and earbuds rule for the upcoming school year.
Students can still carry cell phone and earbuds during the school day, but they must be off and put away unless directed for use by a teacher.
School officials noted that each student has a laptop device in which they have access to the internet and any educational information they may need. Therefore, using a cell phone during the school day for any purpose other than what is permitted in the classroom will be restricted.
Situations involving medical issues or other special needs will be addressed by the school on an individual basis.
There will be a three-strike policy when it comes to violating the new cell phone rule.
The first offense will include the cell phone being confiscated and given to a parent or guardian at the end of the school day.
The second offense will have the phone confiscated and the student will not be able to bring the phone or earbuds to school for 45 days.
The third offense will have the phone confiscated and the student will not be permitted to bring their phone or earbuds to school for the remainder of the school year.
School officials are hoping the new rule will help students focus during the school day.