Mountain Middle School in Durango, Colorado, implemented a ban on cellphones in classrooms over a decade ago.
Principal and executive director Shane Voss made the decision due to the distractions caused by text messages and photo-taking.
Before the ban in 2010, Voss noted the prevalence of distractions and the sudden access to cameras on phones.
Prior to the 2012–2013 academic year, Voss consulted his faculty on reasons to allow phones in class, and no reasons were given.
As a result, a policy was put in place requiring phones to be turned off and stored in backpacks until the end of the school day, resulting in minimal infractions.
Voss mentioned that students appreciated the distraction-free environment, allowing them to focus on personal interactions and collaboration.
More than a decade later, with advancements in technology and social media linked to various issues, states like California have implemented laws to restrict smartphone use in schools.
At Mountain Middle School, academic performance significantly improved post-ban, with the school becoming a top performer in the state.
An instructor teaches a Spanish lesson at Franklin High School in Los Angeles on May 25, 2017. Without phones, students are less distracted and more focused on classwork, according to Voss.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
Voss attributed the school’s success to the distraction-free environment, where students are focused and engaged in class activities, enhancing the overall learning experience.
However, enforcing such restrictions has become more challenging in recent times, with teachers failing to set an example by using their phones during class and resistance from parents who want constant communication with their children.
Despite these challenges, Voss continues to advocate for cellphone restrictions, collaborating with other school and state leaders to implement similar policies.
He described it as a movement to address the youth mental health crisis and improve academic outcomes.
Florida also implemented a cellphone ban in 2023, extending it to smartwatches during instructional time, with similar laws under consideration in other states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico.
Nick Harris, a school psychologist at Guilderland High School, highlighted the importance of reducing screen time to promote social interactions and mental well-being among students.
While some states are enacting laws to regulate cellphone use in schools, many districts are implementing their own restrictions, like Riverton Middle School in Wyoming, which observed a decrease in disciplinary issues following cellphone restrictions.
Assistant Principal Brady Slack noted the positive impact on student behavior and parent acceptance of the policy.
A high school teacher proctoring an exam in a school classroom. Some schools that enforced the policy requiring cellphones and personal devices to be turned off until after school have observed academic growth in their students.
The San Mateo, California, Union High School District (SMUHSD) has implemented a bell-to-bell policy at two of its 10 schools where student phones are placed in Yondr pouches. These pouches can only be unlocked by a magnet at building exits after the last period of instruction. San Mateo High School adopted the policy in 2019, followed by Peninsula High School in 2021, according to Laura Chalkley, district director of communications.
The SMUHSD Board of Trustees reviewed the policy on Sept. 11 in anticipation of a statewide law. While school officials did not provide evidence of academic improvements, they did report better student behavior and engagement.
One noticeable difference is the much louder hallways and cafeterias compared to when students were constantly on their phones during lunch or between classes. Students are now less self-conscious and more energetic at pep rallies and assemblies because they know they won’t be filmed if they look awkward, as stated by San Mateo High School Principal Yvonne Shiu during a meeting.
Shiu mentioned that parents are informed if a student is disciplined for trying to access their phone during the school day. The school is also willing to keep phones over the weekend if requested by a parent to prevent students from feeling the need to retrieve them.
At Peninsula High School, fights and scuffles decreased significantly after the ban on phones took effect, and incidents were less likely to be shared on social media platforms like YouTube, according to Principal Ronald Campana.
The advocacy organization, Phone-Free Schools Movement, was established by parents concerned about the negative impact of social media on their children. The organization promotes bell-to-bell bans on cellphones and other devices in schools, aiming to improve student behavior, privacy, and teacher morale.
Opponents of cellphone bans often cite safety concerns as their primary reason for resisting restrictions. The National Parents Union released survey results opposing such bans, emphasizing the importance of communication between parents and children during emergencies.
In contrast, Highlands Ranch High School in Colorado, led by Principal Chris Page, allows and even encourages the use of cellphones during class. Page believes in preparing students for life after graduation, where technology is a prevalent part of daily life. He advocates for a digital citizenship curriculum that teaches students to balance technology use with interpersonal skills and learning.
Overall, different schools and districts have varying approaches to managing cellphone use among students. While some opt for strict bans, others like Highlands Ranch High School focus on educating students on responsible device usage. The debate continues on the best approach to ensure a conducive learning environment while preparing students for the digital age. Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link
