SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Changes this year in Sarasota County schools include an adjustment to the district's cell phone policy.
School officials made the decision this summer to put rules in place for cell phones in schools.
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It is not a full ban, but for most schools, it means kids are required to leave their devices in a backpack.
"I want them to make sure they keep them put away and I want them to understand the importance of being present," says School Board Chair Jane Goodwin.
Elementary school kids should not have cell phones out at all.
Middle school kids can use a phone, but not when they are in a classroom environment.
High school students are allowed to use their phone in between periods and during lunch.