Non-Locking, Signal-Blocking Pouch

Cell Phones in Pouches During Classroom Instruction Next School Year

CCSD is taking an innovative approach to promote a healthy learning environment in the next school year: Students in Grades 6 to 12 must put away their cell phones while in the classroom.

“This is a critical step as we work to ensure that students and educators are in a safe, non-disruptive space that fosters learning and provides students with the quality education they deserve,” says Interim Superintendent Dr. Brenda Larsen-Mitchell.

Students in middle and high school will place their phones in non-locking, signal-blocking pouches that will prevent cell phones and other devices from sending or receiving signals while inside the pouch.

The pouches are easily incorporated into classrooms, testing environments, and other areas where maintaining a device-free environment is crucial.

Students’ cell phones will be held in a pouch in a safe location near the student within the classroom and be accessible in an emergency.

Elementary schools will have the option to require non-locking, signal-blocking pouches if they believe it is appropriate for their campus.

Key Research Supporting Non-Locking, Signal-Blocking Pouches in Clark County School District

Recent research highlights significant negative impacts of cellphone use on middle and high school students, making it imperative to adopt measures that protect their well-being and academic success.

What is a non-locking, signal-blocking pouch?

Why is the school introducing non-locking, signal-blocking pouches?

Will my student’s cell phone be safe?

What if a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day?

We understand that emergencies will occur. Parents/Guardians may contact the school’s main office to speak with their child if the need arises. Additionally, when a student removes their cell phone from the pouch and the cell phone regains service it will receive all missed data, including texts, emails, voicemails, notifications, and alerts. Students will have access to their cell phones during lunch, nutritional breaks, District sponsored activities, and while riding a school bus.

What happens if there is an emergency at school?

What happens if a student doesn’t have their non-locking, signal-blocking pouch?

What if a student needs their personal device for a medical issue?

Exceptions will be addressed on an individual basis considering health and specific needs of a student with disabilities. Students with specific health needs may require the cell phone to be in a non-blocking (bluetooth enabling) pouch near them to transmit a signal to medical devices. Examples include diabetic pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices. Students with medical exemptions should have their cell phone on their person in the event of an emergency or evacuation. Parents/Guardians should contact the school's health office for more information.

How will students be able to contact families in an emergency, if there is a lockdown, or they need to call 911?

Requiring students to put their cell phones away seems like a punishment. Is this the case?

The introduction of non-locking, signal-blocking pouches is not a punitive measure. The intent is to create a classroom environment in which students can learn free from distractions caused by the personal use of devices; to reduce the negative impacts for all students of inappropriate use of devices at school, such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and incidents involving mobile phones that detract from a healthy school climate; and to increase meaningful face-to-face connections between students.