Debate grows on cell phone use in schools

Massachusetts has awarded approximately $1.3 million in grants to address cell phone use in 77 school districts, part of a one-year federal pilot program.

Movements to further restrict or ban electronics including phones, smart watches and other personal devices during the school day have been met with mixed reactions.

On one side, measures such as storing cell phones in pouches or in lockers during classes are applauded for removing distractions and putting the students’ focus back on academics. Supporters also feel the students’ emotional well-being improves when they  are offline.

At the same time, parents have expressed concerns about the need to communicate with their kids, for example, in instances involving school safety. With the rise of school shootings and other incidents—some say cell phones are a means for students to call for help and/or let their loved ones know their whereabouts during emergencies.

In contrast, concerned mothers formed a national advocacy group called The Phone-Free Schools Movement, believing restrictions are not enough and calling for electronics to be locked away all day.

Nationwide, Florida and Indiana have instituted outright bans. Closer to home, Connecticut, Maine and Vermont are considering similar barring of electronic devices in schools.

Locally, Worcester began the school year with a revised cellphone policy, allowing students to use cellphones, earbuds, tablets and cameras if approved by teachers for educational purposes. Otherwise, the devices must remain out of sight.

In the Spencer-East Brookfield district, Superintendent Paul Haughey said although not a school policy, there is a procedure in place that asks students specifically at the middle and high schools to keep their phones away for the day.

“We are working with our staff and students on teaching them to be respectful and responsible and when it is appropriate to utilize cell phones,” the superintendent noted.

He said the district’s leadership team shares concerns from the medical community and their research around young people and their mental health/wellness.

“Yet, if we do not start taking a more proactive approach in partnership with parents and families as a school district to teach our young people what it means to be respectful, responsible and ready to learn, how will they?” Haughey added.

The superintendent said Spencer-East Brookfield students have managed their phones and appropriate use well. He noted that if the circumstances changed, however, and the issue became more problematic,  he is in favor of drafting a policy in collaboration with the school community and community at large.

In Leicester, Superintendent Brett Kustigian pointed to the policies outlined in student handbooks that instruct parents/guardians to call the school for any emergency; advise students to report to the office in an emergency to seek permission to make calls; and require students to place personal cell phones/electronic devices in the cell phone holder provided.

In that neighboring town, students can wear headphones, air pods and earbuds before school begins and at dismissal. However, use in bathrooms and locker rooms is prohibited. Violations result in the phone being confiscated and disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

The Wachusett school district, comprised of Holden, Paxton, Rutland, Princeton and Sterling requires students to store their cell phones or iPods in book bags and lockers during the day. Making or receiving calls and texts is not allowed. A first offense results in the phone being taken away and returned at the end of the day. Second offenses result in confiscation and the device released only to a parent or guardian. A third offense is handled via suspension and the device returned to a parent or guardian.

Spencer-East Brookfield School Committee Chair Jason Monette said he could see both sides of the argument, noting it is tough with technology so widespread and prevalent in daily life. On one hand, he feels cell phones and other electronics including calculator watches are distractions and have a detrimental effect on learning.

“If they are texting, on Facebook or other social media, the students are not listening in class,” Monette noted. He said cutting down on use “is not a bad thing,” pointing out that social media can be used for online bullying, which can devastate kids.

But he understands why some people endorse students keeping their cell phones on them during crises like school shootings.

Monette would like to see school resource officers at each school  in the district as a deterrent against threats and violent acts.

“(Resource) officers are important to have,” Monette said. “A person may think twice if they know there is protection in the building that fights fire with fire…rather than nothing.”  The Spencer-East Brookfield district currently has one resource officer.