Smart Devices

Finding that students had become exceptionally reliant on cell phones while locked down during COVID-19, a Massachusetts school district now requires them to store phones in magnetically sealed pouches during the day.

Under a deal with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, approved by the St. Paul City Council in June, police officers have around-the-clock access to a controversial smartphone-hacking device called GrayKey.

Given a massive influx of personal devices in the years since COVID-19, schools are making more use of asset-management systems to keep track of inventory and plan ahead for technology audits.

Students are going to use their cellphones one way or another, and trying to ban them precludes their potential usefulness as PRTs — portable research tools — that can enrich lessons and engage students in novel ways.

As schools across the U.S. consider banning cellphones amid a student mental health crisis, a Michigan district is weighing the need for study and deliberation against the need to make a decision before the new year begins.

Nebraska's second largest school district will not allow students to use phones during class, and it's rolling out digital hall passes in high schools to track missed instructional time and limit out-of-class behavioral issues.

While it has no authority to require governments to act, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization found excessive smartphone use negatively affects student performance and emotional stability.

A New Jersey school district will give an iPad to all K-8 students and teachers for the coming school year, with professional development and one-to-one leadership coaching and support planned throughout the year.

A comprehensive ban on holding phones while driving takes effect Friday across Michigan, meaning actions that were previously allowed in vehicles under state law will now be illegal and potentially bring $100 fines.

In the absence of statewide policies on cellphone use in schools, a recent education panel in Massachusetts said local districts should be taking a hard look at their policies and student mental health.

Both the Erie and Niagara county jails, as well as other counties in the Western New York region, have contracted with companies that specialize in providing free and paid content to inmates.

With student behavior being the top issue of concern among staff, Lincoln Public Schools might install an electronic hall pass system through students' Chromebooks at secondary schools, and vape detectors as well.

Answer: You can now.

Answer: By cutting off access to its services on older devices.

Citing heightened concerns about online security and data collection, Orange County employees will no longer be able to download, view or use TikTok on government-issued devices.

Students from Fox Chapel Area High School in Pennsylvania created a nonprofit, Technology Trained by Teens, to help train individuals or groups how to use pieces of software or hardware, from iPhones and apps to TVs.

The Hanover Police Department is using the CRIMEWATCH website and mobile app to help community members fight crime and stay informed of police incidents and crimes, and it is partnering with the local school district.

Warhill High School junior Joshua Markle won the challenge in the 1st Congressional District by designing and programming an app that helps student drivers track their driving hours on a smartphone.