The Bullhead City School District Governing Board voted to ban cell phones and backpacks for most students for the upcoming school year.
The new rules require phones to be turned off and locked in cabinets during the school day. A Facebook post from the district explains this is to reduce classroom distractions and “minimize students’ inappropriate recordings of others."
The board also approved a ban on backpacks for students above the fourth grade. District officials say they're concerned the bags could be used to hide contraband like weapons, alcohol and drugs.
The policies do provide some exceptions for students with specific needs. For example, students with diabetes who use their phones to monitor glucose levels will be allowed to keep the device with them throughout the day.
The new rules will go into effect with the start of the upcoming school year on July 29.