While we appreciate the potential benefits that cell phones and other personal electronic devices can bring to education, we have found that cell phones and other personal devices are getting in the way of the learning process for our students. Our staff members are struggling with student focus because of these devices and have asked for more limitations on their use.
The state of Maine has passed a new law banning the use of cell phones and other electronic devices from the beginning bell to the dismissal bell in public schools. In addition, the Augusta School Board passed a policy related to the use of Cell Phones and other personal electronic devices. In accordance of Augusta School Board policy JICJ, "The following provisions apply to student use of cell phones and other electronic devices: All students, from Pre-K through Grade 12, are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connectivity capabilities for the duration of the entire school day, from starting to dismissal, except as otherwise permitted in this policy. Students are not permitted to carry/wear or access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs during the school day."
If a student has a cell phone or other personal device out when they are not supposed to, a staff member will take the cell phone and give it to the office where it will be in a "cell phone/device jail".
Cell Phone and Other Personal Electronic Device Procedure- if a phone/device comes to the office it is logged in a spreadsheet by Ms. Lucas.
Here are the consequences for each Cell Phone infraction.
1-2 -Cell phone/Device goes to "phone/device jail" for the day in main office and the student can pick it up at the end of the day
3- Cell phone/Device goes to "phone/device jail" and student receives a detention and meets with AP
4- Cell phone/Device goes to "phone/device jail", meets with admin and parent must pick up
5-Cell phone/Device goes to "phone/device jail", parent called and the student can't have their phone at school until the end of quarter or at least 4 weeks
6-Cell phone/Device goes to "phone/device jail", parent called, student suspended 1 day
7-Cell phone/Device goes to "phone/device jail", parent called, student suspended for 2 days
*If a student bring a different phone/device with intent to circumvent the cell phone/device procedure, then automatically suspended from school for 1 day
Here are a few areas that we see improvement from the Cell Phone and other personal electronic device policy and procedure:
Reduce Distractions: Cell phones/Devices have become a major distraction in the classroom. Text messages, social media notifications, and other apps divert students’ attention away from their studies and the learning process. By restricting cell phone/device usage, students can be more focused on their lessons, leading to improved academic performance.
Promotion of Face-to-Face Interactions: Constant reliance on cell phones can have a negative effect on face-to-face communication skills. Communication skills are crucial for personal and educational development. We believe that this will improve the communication skills in our students.
Reduction of Cyberbullying: Cell phones/devices can sometimes be misused for cyberbullying. During the school day, we have had conflicts between students related to cyberbullying. Limiting cell phone/device use will help reduce these issues during the school day.
Reduction of Cheating-Cell phones/devices can sometimes be misused for cheating. We have seen an increase in the number of instances of students taking pictures of tests, etc. We believe that not having cell phones/devices in the classrooms will reduce cheating instances.
Improved Mental Health-Excessive use of cell phones, especially on social media, has been linked to mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. By promoting periods of disconnect during the school day, students can have a chance to focus on their mental well-being.
We understand that cell phones, devices and wireless headphones/earbuds can serve as tools for learning and emergency communication. Please know that we have a student phone in the main office that is available for our students.