As students entered the 2025-2026 school year, they were greeted with an important update: a revised phone policy designed to enhance their learning experience. During instructional time, students at GCHS are required to keep their phones stored away in phone docks. This policy enhances the effectiveness of teaching and facilitates better learning for students. Although students may disagree with this policy, adherence to the rules is still mandatory.
The law requires all local school districts to adopt policies prohibiting student cell phone use during instructional time, This law came into effect on March 19, 2025, after being signed by Kentucky’s governor, Andy Beshear. This law enforces policies restricting phone use to improve student focus, reduce distractions, and positively impact mental health and academic performance. The policy allows for exceptions for emergencies and health-related needs for students that need them. Studies suggest that districts that have restricted phone use during instructional time have seen improvements in student test scores.
At GCHS, students found on their phone during instructional time for the first defense will have one day in ISS (in school suspension). A second violation would result in one to three days of OSS (out of school suspension). Additional consequences of being assigned out of school suspension is losing the privilege to attend after school events like dances, prom, games, etc.
Jasmine Thomson, a student at GCHS in 10th grade, said “Before the policy students could be on their phones all the time, and teachers would get frustrated when the students wouldn’t pay attention. Now that our school has the phone policy, students are more engaged in class. I think the phone policy is very beneficial for schools, but I think when there is time at the end of class we should be allowed to be on them.”
Shane Rathbun, a math teacher at GCHS said “I have noticed a high turn in rate on homework, which should now lead to high test scores. I hope the phone policy does stay.”
Kentucky is not the only state starting to implement laws to restrict phones during instructional time. 34 other states now have passed laws regulating phone use in schools.
