What is a Phone-Free School?
Although around 77% of public schools report having rules that restrict student cell phone use during the school day, many lack formal policies, or their policies are ineffective.
A true phone-free school is one where phones are out of sight and out of possession from the start to the end of the school day.
This can be accomplished through multiple methods such as lockable pouches, phone lockers, a check-in system through staff members, or something as simple as storing phones in students’ lockers.
For reference, please read a policy rollout letter from a Principal who recently initiated an effective and well-received Phone-Free School Policy in Cincinnati, OH.
5 Possible Phone Policies
Don’t know your school’s phone policy? Bring this list to an administrator and start a discussion.
1. No Policy
Students manage their own (academic or recreational) cell phone use; individual teachers may have their own cell phone rule, but the school does not.
Drawbacks: Teachers are burdened with trying to keep students on task, while students face maximum distraction and are required to constantly tax their willpower to pay attention in class.
Question to Consider: If you were a teacher, how hard would it be to compete with the pull of social media or the number of notifications students get during class?
2. Academic Use Policy
Students may use their phones during class for academic purposes only.
Drawbacks: Teachers may struggle to distinguish between legitimate/academic phone use and recreational use, leaving a gray area for teacher enforcement. Even still, students are constantly tempted by the pull of notifications, etc.
Question to Consider: Why burden teachers this much, and why tempt students?
3. Student Self-Management Policy
Students may carry phones on their person (in a pocket or backpack), but may not use them during class time.
Drawbacks: This level does not address cell phone use between classes, during restroom breaks, or during lunch or downtime, placing a burden on teachers to police student phone use, and leaving students exposed to throughout-the-day phone-related distractions.
Question to Consider: How many students might take a bathroom break just to check social media or text a friend?
4. Away-During-Class Policy:
Through the use of phone caddies or another system, students turn their phones in to the teacher at the start of class, and they’re returned at the end of class.
Drawbacks: Students might still be left vulnerable to phone-related distractions between classes or during lunch.
Question to Consider: How much more lively and enriching is a phone-free lunchroom vs. one with phones?
5. Phone-Free School Policy:
Phones are out of sight and out of possession from the start to the end of the school day. This might be accomplished through multiple methods such as lockable pouches, phone lockers, a check-in system through school staff members, or something as simple as storing phones in students’ lockers.
Benefits: Students and teachers can focus on learning and socializing in person. Test scores can rise.