Montezuma-Cortez High School is implementing a stricter school-day cellphone policy for students in grades 9-12, limiting personal devices to lunch periods only.
M-CHS Principal Jennifer Boniface said the new policy is meant to foster connections among students, promote focused learning and inhibit bullying, among other things.
The policy is similar to previous years but “tightened” to ensure success.
According to policy guidelines, phones and other personal devices must be turned off and placed in locked classroom caddies during instructional time. Students without a first or fifth hour class will store their devices in the office, with students permitted to retrieve their phone only for lunch period and at the end of the school day.
The decision to strengthen the policy comes after research on the effect of phones and other devices on young people, with the district saying that the presence of a phone reduces student attention, working memory and learning, while also contributing to classroom distractions, lower academic achievement, reduced participation, cheating, cyberbullying, anxiety and social isolation.
One of the sources Boniface referenced in her letter was the book “The Anxious Generation” by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In the book, Haidt argues that constant smartphone usage and access by young people has contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness, the letter said.
Colorado law also requires every school district in the state to adopt a policy that outlines student usage of their personal devices during the school day. So far, at least 38 states have enacted laws or statewide policies that require schools to limit or prohibit cellphone usage while at school. The district added that studies of schools with consistent no-phone policies have reported fewer distractions, higher engagement, improved student-to-student interactions, more instructional time and academic growth, particularly in lower-achieving students.
“These findings support the goal of creating learning environments where students are more focused, engaged and connected to those around them,” Boniface said.
Along with promoting growth academically and in the classroom, the policy also aims to reduce opportunities for bullying, cheating, inappropriate recording in areas like bathrooms and locker rooms, and social media conflicts.
Students who fail to turn in devices or refuse to surrender them when asked will face progressive discipline. Possible consequences include confiscation until a parent retrieves the phone, parent conferences, loss of privileges, suspension or further action for repeated violations.
“Our goal isn't to take something away from you,” Boniface said in a letter to students. “Our goal is to give you something better: more meaningful learning, stronger friendships, fewer distractions and a school environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
When parents and guardians need to get in touch with their student, they can call offices and classrooms. Each is equipped with a phone and staff able to relay messages to students.
In an emergency, the district said it will stick to protocols developed with emergency responders, and students will be permitted to contact their families when it is deemed safe for them to do so. The letter added that emergency officials advise against parents sending numerous texts and calls to students during an emergency, as this can overwhelm systems, spread misinformation and hinder first responders.
“We recognize that this represents a change for many students and families, but we firmly believe it is one that will benefit our school community,” Boniface said. “By working together, we can create classrooms where students are more engaged, more connected to one another and better prepared for success in school and beyond.”
bduran@the-journal.com
