Several schools across the country and region have made changes to its cell phone use policy during the school day, and Benton Harbor Area Schools will be among those who change.

During Tuesday’s monthly board meeting, the board discussed the use of cell phones in the classroom, and came to a decision they should not be allowed at all.

Superintendent Kelvin Butts said that cell phones will not be allowed during the school day on campus, even during lunch period.

“They are able to bring them, but they keep them out of sight until the end of the school day, so that they can get any updates from their families or their friends if they are needed at that time.”

Benton Harbor high school principal Leonard Morant voiced his concerns and agreed agreed with the board on not allowing use during the day, as it’s a matter of student safety and creates problems that can get out of their control.

“When the students are in the cafeteria, they’ll start texting when they’re about to get ready to fight or whatever else. Then you got kids coming out of the classroom. Yeah, no cell phones. After school, yes. But while it’s in the building, at the high school, it’s just a safety issue as well.”

The new policy includes progressive discipline to students that do not follow, with the most aggressive being the phone being confiscated and it’ll be up to the parent to retrieve it.

The policy will go into effect on Jan. 6, 2025 when students return to school after Christmas break.