Cell Phone Use in Schools
The School District of University City is opening a discussion on cell phone use in our schools. Smartphone and social media usage in and out of school has come under scrutiny with researchers documenting the detrimental effect both can have on learning as well as on health and wellness.
The School District of University City, with the support of One U. City, who represent parents/caregivers at all elementary and middle schools in SDUC, are re-evaluating the cell phone practices at the high school, particularly since all students now have district-provided Chromebooks and access to cell phone lockers.
The District is currently undergoing the following measures:
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REVIEW current cell phone protocols and reinforce as needed.
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EXPLORE “cell free or cell-use zones,” specific areas or times in the school day when students would have access (and not have access) to their phones.
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PROVIDE training and guidance to staff as needed (allowing teacher discretion on accessing phones for class work).
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REINFORCE use of lockers at the middle and high school levels.
To let us know your thoughts on how we might work together to help the District protect class time by discouraging the use of cell phones in class, we ask that you please complete one of the surveys listed below.