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Date: 9/13/2022
MONSON – The discussion of implementing a change to the cell phone policy has dominated recent Monson School Committee meetings.
On Sept. 8, Monson High School Principal Matthew Sullivan shared an overview presentation with the School Committee of what these changes consist of.
He explained that the current policy allows for cell phones to be used by students Grades 9 through 12 during transitions and lunch periods. Grades 7 and 8 can use their cell phones during lunch. This rule seeks to “strike a balance between recognizing the appropriate use of these devices with the need to preserve the integrity of instructional time,” said Sullivan.
He described this policy as “antiquated” and the enforcement of it is nearly “impossible.”
Based on data, Sullivan shared that the percentage of Americans with a smartphone has increased to over 85 percent since 2011. “The sheer volume of apps and capabilities of a typical smartphone are virtually impossible for any individual to understand or regulate,” he added.
Sullivan went on to say that smartphones have increased anxiety, stress and depression among teens, even prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
Like most schools, Sullivan said Monson High School struggles with these issues. “The strong majority of the office referrals [for administration for discipline] either originate or include a phone somewhere in the equation.” Over the past year, there have been reports of fighting, bullying, harassment, destruction of property and vandalism that have all been documented or recorded on a cell phone, noted Sullivan. While this problem is not unique to Monson, he believes that it’s time to acknowledge the old tactics and implement ones that will work.
Through a partnership with Yondr, Monson High School is seeking to adopt a plan that will keep students’ phones in a magnetically sealed pouch throughout the day. Sullivan explained that when a student arrives at school, they will place their phone in the pouch, to be kept in their bags. At the end of the school day, the students will regain access to their phone.
Sullivan noted that some exceptions would be made to the policy, for example, if a student has a medical condition and requires access to their phone.
By implementing this policy, Sullivan believes that overall safety would improve. Some current safety issues include students texting their parents to pick them up early without notifying staff, creating distraction, generating panic through misinformation and more.
Based on 900 schools that Yondr is partnered with, 65 percent saw improvement in academic performance, 74 percent saw improvement in student behavior and 83 percent saw improvement in student engagement, shared Sullivan. While this may be a widespread initiative, on a local level, Chicopee High School also utilizes this policy.
After surveying staff at Monson High School, 96 percent are in favor of adopting in the program. Of the four percent that said no, Sullivan noted that one staff member was supportive of the program but wanted more details, while the other staff member wants to continue the current policy.
“This is not a program that I’m recommending lightly. It’s not designed to penalize anyone [or] make their life difficult. It’s something that’s being proposed to address [what I think is] an extraordinary problem,” said Sullivan.
Before approving the new policy there are several steps that need to be taken. This includes a site visit for administration at Chicopee High School to see how Yondr works for them, a series of parent information meetings, surveys about this proposal, staff training on the particulars of this program and lastly, a thorough and methodical rollout.
Several School Committee members said they would like to see these steps taken before voting on the proposed cell phone policy.
Colleen Flynn, chairman, asked for an update from Sullivan at the next meeting.