In a move that has drawn both praise and opposition, some Fall River public schools will ban cell phone use for students with exemptions.

According to FRC Media, the policy was passed unanimously by the school board on Monday.

When students walk in the door in the morning, they place their cell phones, watches, and earbuds in a magnetic pouch. Medical pouches are available for students who need to access their cell phones for medical reasons.

Parents who would like to contact their children can call the school office. Alternatively, they can also use the parents’ desk.

The rule will take effect a few weeks after the start of the new school year at Durfee, Talbot, Morton and Kuss schools, as well as in grades six through eight at Henry Lord and John Doran schools.

Kuss Middle School already had a rule in place that all electronic devices, with the exception of VILS, must be turned off and kept in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day.
school-issued Chromebook.

While those in charge are aware that there will be resistance, they believe that in addition to reducing distractions, student safety will also improve as a result of less bullying.