Phones banned for the whole school day, not just lessons

What happened

The School Committee reviewed a student cell phone policy required by new Rhode Island law which imposes a total ban on phone use throughout the school day, including non-instructional periods such as lunch and between classes. Administrators told the committee the district already complies, because storing phones in cubbies has been standard practice for three years, and expected the change to the state mandate to be seamless.

Why it matters to families

In many districts this rule is new and disruptive. In North Smithfield it formalises what pupils have already been doing for three years, so families should expect no change in practice.

The evidence

The March 17, 2026 approved minutes record the committee reviewing the updated policy mandated by new Rhode Island state law, which requires a total ban on cell phone use throughout the school day including non-instructional periods, and the administrators' clarification that the district is already in compliance through a three-year-old cubby storage procedure. The policy text itself was not filed with the minutes.

The source