This year, students in West Virginia are going through a substantial change. There has been a new law put into place, banning phones during instructional time in West Virginia schools. As Violetta Magnone mentioned on our website in June, on April 29, 2025, House Bill 2003 was passed by Governor Patrick Morrisey stating, “Student cell phones shall not be seen, heard, or in use while the student is in the classroom, while school is in session.” Although this is a new law, it is not vastly different from our earlier policy.
House Bill 2003 was put into place to improve focus and limit distractions in the classroom. The law was intended to reduce the negative effects of cell phones, including mental health issues. Cell phones have shown greater access to cyber bullying and promotion of unhealthy behaviors. Weir’s main premise is, “We see it, we take it”
The law allows individual schools to create their own policy to adapt to the requirements. Weir High School has kept their policy regarding cell phones similar to previous years. It is also required that schools create a clear way for parents to contact children during the school day. Students that have medical issues that require a phone during the day must have a timeline of when they will need to use the device.
House Bill 2003 allows schools to individually create their own policy, including if students are able to have their device on them, how the devices will be stored, and when students are allowed to use cell phones. Weir High School has decided to allow students to use cell phones during passing periods and lunches.
Most students and staff have mixed opinions on the new law. Teachers have noticed more responsive students and better focus now that our previous policy has been made a law. Some students have felt more focused in class while others say it hasn’t affected them much. “I’m noticing children are paying more attention in class” Life skills teacher Mrs. Hores said. “The state law has really not been anything different than we’ve already had in effect here at Weir High School” Assistant Principal Kelly Lawton said. One of the negatives from Lawton is the lack of receptiveness from students, but teachers are being more proactive in enforcing the policy.
