School leaders across the state of Connecticut are considering restricting cell phone use in the classroom following a recent push from state officials to come up with rules for the devices. In Waterbury, students are already experiencing a new policy that requires cell phones to be locked up in a pouch for the day at middle and high schools.
While the new policy has been met with mixed reactions from students, many are seeing benefits such as reduced distractions in class and increased social interactions. The interim superintendent of Waterbury Public Schools, Dr. Darren Schwartz, emphasized the importance of reteaching parents how to contact their child during the school day through the main office rather than through their cell phones.
The move to restrict cell phone use in classrooms has also been seen in other districts across the state, including Hartford and Ellington. Governor Lamont has urged schools statewide to develop rules to limit cell phone use in order to improve learning and mental wellbeing.
The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education executive director, Patrice McCarthy, stated that nearly every board in the state has started or will start a conversation on restricting cell phone use in classrooms. Solutions being considered range from using pouches to leaving phones in designated areas in class.
Overall, the trend of restricting cell phone use in classrooms seems to be gaining momentum as school leaders work to find effective ways to improve student focus and reduce distractions. Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to participate in discussions surrounding cell phones in the classroom.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcconnecticut.com