The Monroe School Board on May 13, 2024 as captured through a district board recording.
MONROE — When students return in September, a policy on when students can use cell phones and other electronic devices likely will be in force at Monroe Schools.
It’s being developed right now. Board members are thinking through the nuances, though.
Should all ages be limited? What about during break periods? What about diabetic students who rely on blood glucose monitoring through phone and smartwatch apps?
And, according to a school board member, considering so many kids use their smartphones for class instead of the standard-issue Chromebook, should phones be discouraged from use?
The district has no policy today. Superintendent Shawn Woodward is seeking to develop one.
One guideline board members gave is the rules need to be uniform in every teacher’s classroom.
A recent district survey recieved a relatively even spread of responses from teachers, students and parents. Students provided one-third of the 901 responses.
All three groups acknowledge phones are a distraction during class.
Beyond that, opinions splinter.
Teachers largely see phones as a problem.
Some parents said cell phones are being used as research tools.
Students say there’s a time and place for phones: Some listen to music through headphones to focus during study periods, likely streaming by Bluetooth from their phone, and said headphones aren’t interrupting anyone.
Board member Jeremiah Campbell said he’d like Monroe’s policy to consider different rules by grade level.
Board member Chuck Whitfield favors putting phones away most of the time. “There’s significant evidence of social media affecting student’s behavior and mental health,” and overrreliance can rob them of critical in-person social skills, he said.
Everett Schools’ policy requires elementary and middle school students to keep their phones turned off and in their backpacks during the school day; high schoolers can use them during lunch and between classes, but it’s allowed as a privilege, not a right, and an administrator can confiscate these.
A few board members, such as Board President Jennifer Bumpus, said Everett School District’s policy seems to hit the mark.
Board members Molly Barnes and James Etzkorn indicated they’d support tighter phone restrictions.
“If forced to put the phones down all day, they’ll hate us for it but it’s for their own good,” Etzkorn said.
In Everett, students who use electronic devices for health needs or as an assistive technology can be exempted from limits.
Barnes said medical exceptions to allow a phone needs to be clearly outlined. “Otherwise, we could make exceptions for everyone,” she said.
Of note is teachers don’t want to be in the confrontational position of confiscating devices, Woodward said during last week’s board conversation at its 4 p.m. workshop. Monroe would use progressive disciplinary measures to handle violations, Woodward said, starting with a verbal warning.
