Caverna Independent School District has new cell phone policy for the school year
SOUTH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY – Cellphones can be both distracting and valuable for learning. They could be both a good and possibly bad combination for students in school.
Caverna Independent School District High School said it plans to keep students focused through the school year by implementing new cell phone policies.
“We didn’t change it last year but under new leadership for this year we’re trying to be cohesive within the same building,” said Natasha Jackson- Hayes, assistant principal of the Caverna Independent School District.
Cellphones could expose you to a whole new world through digital platforms, which are used by all ages, especially the teen population. Now, teachers are concerned that phones are affecting their academics.
“One, you get better at learning. It eliminates the constant text and app distractions so students will pay close attention to the lessons. They have more interactions with each other,” said Jackson- Hayes.
In early 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 208 that limits cell phone and social media use in the class. Caverna District is taking cellphone restrictions a step further.
The school announced on social media that all phones will only stay in the students’ lockers.
Courtesy of Caverna High School’s Facebook
Tech has been a main form of entertainment for children within the past 10 years. UCLA’s data revealed that kids mostly received their phone in second grade and fourth grade. Jackson-Hayes said this also lowers cyber bullying.
“Cyber Bullying happens typically outside of school and leads into school. It cuts down on the digital drama, the filming, recording, social media stress and agitation that drifts into the school building,” she said.
Even in emergency situations, Jackson-Hayes said it’s best to follow protocols set in place to protect students and teachers and that cellphones could possibly put everyone in danger.
“The lights. The volume. Someone being called when you’re trying to be in a lockdown, your phone goes off. So, that makes your room or designation a target,” she explained.
She also said the new protocol may not be liked by everyone, but it’s set with the future of the students in mind.
“Change is never easy and you’ll never make everyone happy. We just feel with the feedback and local schools in the area and benefits of turning around social interactions we just feel this would be the best change to implement. Our goal is to have life ready adults when they graduate,” said Jackson-Hayes
The policy goes into effect Aug. 12.
