Experts have warned about the deleterious mental health and educational impact of cell phones on students, and school districts across the nation are implementing sweeping policies to ban cell phones from classrooms and some school grounds. For the most part, students, teachers, administrators, and parents and caregivers approve of these plans, with some reservations and a lot of questions. Even the Governor of Virginia has jumped on the cell phone banned-wagon with his recent Executive Order for phone free K-12 education zones.
Local Cell-Phone Program Example In Fairfax County
Over the summer, Fairfax County School Board (FCSB) approved a proposal for a pilot program involving a system-wide student cell phone storage solution, in addition to changes to the Students Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). Their vote required a presentation of recommendations in July from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.
Per the FCPS description of the pilot program, about one-third of middle and high middle schools are participating in this program which is hoped to “limit classroom disruptions and improve student engagement and learning.”
Starting on September 3, 2024, the program will be implemented in select middle and high school, as follows:
Middle School: Participating students will receive a “special cell phone storage pouch, called a Yondr pouch.” Students will bring their own pouch each day to lock up phones after placing them in silent or airplane mode. They will unlock the pouches at the end of the day before leaving school. If a student forgets their Yondr pouch, then they are expected to bring their phone to the front office at the beginning of the day for storage. Lost or damaged Yondr pouches will result in a $18 assessment.
High School: Students are expected to place their cell phones into a storage unit at the beginning of each class. The current version of SR&R regulation 2601 prohibits all students from using phones in class, but HS students can use their phones in between periods.
All pilot programs:
To reach your child in the case of an emergency, call the front office.
There is no change in the cell phone policy for students with medical accomodations.
Other Cell Phone Accessories:
All phone accessories (e.g., air pods) are to be silenced and put away.
Smart watches may be worn, but phone features (e.g, texting, internet, calls) are to be silenced.
These are big changes; however, the guidance indicates no change in the cell phone policy for students with medical accommodations, which is a relief for many parents. Nevertheless, we all have a lot of questions, including
How much time will this take out of each day?
Who will supervise whether students are complying?
What are the consequences for failure to comply (i.e., not putting a phone away) or using the phone in class?
Will teachers support the change and respect students’ medical accommodations?
Hopeful for this Change and It's Success
Honestly, I’m hoping this pilot program is successful, despite sharing some strong opinions in May. I’ve talked to a number of teachers from Virginia and other districts who are hopeful regarding these cell phone changes, as well.
Many caregivers are on-board, as well. However, there are still outstanding concerns about being able to contact students during emergencies. Most parents I’ve spoken to are concerned about being able to be in contact with their student(s) during school shootings, as highlighted by students texting with their parents during the devastating attack at Apalachee High School in Georgia yesterday.
FCPS also asks for your feedback on the pilot program here.
We at 4 Public Education would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, as well. Please share here.
In the future, we hope to share additional perspectives from teachers and students as the year progresses.
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