In a notice sent to parents Thursday afternoon, Polk County Public Schools announced new restrictions on smart glasses and similar wearable devices. Students will not be permitted to wear or use the devices during the school day due to concerns about privacy, safety and classroom disruptions.
The district said it has seen an increase in students possessing or wearing Meta/Ray-Ban smart glasses and similar electronic devices at school.
According to the district, many of the devices are capable of taking photographs, recording audio or video, livestreaming, communicating with others, accessing information or transmitting content without people nearby being aware or consenting to being recorded.
The restriction applies to wearable devices capable of covertly or unobtrusively recording, photographing, livestreaming, transmitting, receiving or remotely monitoring communications or activities.
District officials said the restriction is consistent with Polk County School Board policies governing wireless communication devices and technology resources. Those policies restrict students from using electronic devices to record or transmit the words, sounds or images of students, employees or others without appropriate authorization.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
