Jackson-Reed phone policy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JR/Wilson experimented with yonder bags back in 2019-ish. Principal Martin spent a lot of $$ on them. Big failure.
The kids ruined the bags, no real support from admin for teachers to enforce use of them.
I had two hs students at the time, they just shook their heads.

Just curious, for those of you with older kids - in the Pre-COVID years, did the middle schools uniformly lock/block access to phones? It is my impression that most of the DC charter and public middle schools do this now so people may be more used to it and actually prefer this in high school? There is also a lot more conversation about the detrimental impact of phones on adolescents, so I wonder if momentum has changed in the past 5 years. I also wonder if this is an example of the size of the student body at JR, and their inability to enforce rules? Separate from the cell phone topic, if a high school spends money and decides on a policy and the student body disrespects it without consequence, it makes me question about their behavior/consequence management.

Not a parent of older kids but a former high school teacher who taught in the "Aughts" before the widespread use of smartphones. It really wasn't *that* long ago that smartphone use in schools was not a problem. It's a very small generation of kids and parents (basically a 10 year generation, from 2012 to the pandemic) who are used to having their smartphones on them at all times.

Now that we know better (about the detrimental effects), we should be reverse this really quickly. Everyone will adapt. I have younger kids now and I'm very hopeful that the problem will be solved by the time they get there.

I will pull this out into a separate thread in the 'general education' forum - but wanted to flag here in case anybody wanted to hop over there to brainstorm. As the mother of a rising 5th and rising 7th grade student, I only have a few years of ES and MS who restrict phone usage before the worry about high school unlimited access. In all seriousness, this issue will not be the only factor, but it will impact which high schools we put on our list. Anyway - I would like to think the people at the district level are thinking about making a citywide policy (similar to how I am sure they have citywide policies about other items you can/can't bring into school). But I wonder with all of the serious science based data about the detrimental impact, there is any way us as parents can advocate/encourage a citywide policy?

As a HS teacher I see the writing on the wall- I think in the next few years cell phones will be banned in most high schools.

[Anonymous]

I am PP and in terms of advocating for these policies I have a few suggestions:

Send emails to chancellor, superintendent applauding these types of policies

When a school implements the policy send emails applauding the school for doing so to the chancellor, superintendent, principal, council members, etc. I know those indiviuals will get lots of complaint emails and calls from parents about restricting cell phone use. It’s good to balance the negativity with praise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am PP and in terms of advocating for these policies I have a few suggestions:

Send emails to chancellor, superintendent applauding these types of policies

When a school implements the policy send emails applauding the school for doing so to the chancellor, superintendent, principal, council members, etc. I know those indiviuals will get lots of complaint emails and calls from parents about restricting cell phone use. It’s good to balance the negativity with praise.

I love those ideas, thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am PP and in terms of advocating for these policies I have a few suggestions:

Send emails to chancellor, superintendent applauding these types of policies

When a school implements the policy send emails applauding the school for doing so to the chancellor, superintendent, principal, council members, etc. I know those indiviuals will get lots of complaint emails and calls from parents about restricting cell phone use. It’s good to balance the negativity with praise.

I appreciate this discussion, I admit, as a parent of tweens, I used to think the worst thing about the phones in the school was the distraction during the classes. Which is a problem, but the more I see firsthand and read about (in that Anxious Generation book and others), I am equally as concerned about kids' decreasing ability to have conversations with people and navigate developmentally appropriate social situations because they are isolated in their devices even when they are 'together' on breaks/lunch etc. Sure, most of them will still have access at home but if we can get 8 hours a day without them that would be huge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am PP and in terms of advocating for these policies I have a few suggestions:

Send emails to chancellor, superintendent applauding these types of policies

When a school implements the policy send emails applauding the school for doing so to the chancellor, superintendent, principal, council members, etc. I know those indiviuals will get lots of complaint emails and calls from parents about restricting cell phone use. It’s good to balance the negativity with praise.

I appreciate this discussion, I admit, as a parent of tweens, I used to think the worst thing about the phones in the school was the distraction during the classes. Which is a problem, but the more I see firsthand and read about (in that Anxious Generation book and others), I am equally as concerned about kids' decreasing ability to have conversations with people and navigate developmentally appropriate social situations because they are isolated in their devices even when they are 'together' on breaks/lunch etc. Sure, most of them will still have access at home but if we can get 8 hours a day without them that would be huge.

💯 Agree.

[Anonymous]

As the parent of a recent JR graduate and a current JR student, I’ll offer this: We can’t turn back time. Just like TV and every other technological advance seen by some as disastrous for kids, cell phones are not going away. The more we focus on teaching kids to use them responsibly, the better off they’ll be.

My kids know how and when to use their phones, including in school. They know what their teachers’ expectations are. They are smart, social kids, as are their friends; just like I didn’t fail to develop socially and emotionally because I was watched a lot of TV as a kid (alone and with friends), my kids aren’t stunted by their phone use.

I am thrilled that my kids missed the yondr experiment at JR, which by all accounts was a distraction and waste of time and money. I much prefer the school’s current approach, which I believe to be much more realistic and age-appropriate.

[Anonymous]

I teach at a hs with cell phone lockers. I support their use and it helps. That said most kids figure out how to use their computers to text and many kids have Apple Watches that they receive and send texts on. I think the kids are less distracted by this than if they have their phones but it is easy to be off task if desired.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As the parent of a recent JR graduate and a current JR student, I’ll offer this: We can’t turn back time. Just like TV and every other technological advance seen by some as disastrous for kids, cell phones are not going away. The more we focus on teaching kids to use them responsibly, the better off they’ll be.

My kids know how and when to use their phones, including in school. They know what their teachers’ expectations are. They are smart, social kids, as are their friends; just like I didn’t fail to develop socially and emotionally because I was watched a lot of TV as a kid (alone and with friends), my kids aren’t stunted by their phone use.

I am thrilled that my kids missed the yondr experiment at JR, which by all accounts was a distraction and waste of time and money. I much prefer the school’s current approach, which I believe to be much more realistic and age-appropriate.

I agree with part of your post - we cannot turn back time. And it is correct, that every generation has had something that people view as 'new' and 'bad' like TV, computers, etc. However, if you take time to read the wealth of research they have now on kids who grew up using smart phones - having constant access to the internet has impacted development and mental health in ways that has never happened before. Even when our generation had computers in our youth, there was typically only one per household, you had limited access (and slow internet), etc. I am sure there are some kids who are able to navigate through the real world while always on/with a smart phone, and perhaps your kids are two of them - but data shows the vast majority of young adults do not benefit, and it is in fact detrimental. We can't turn back time, but we have a chance to make changes moving forward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As the parent of a recent JR graduate and a current JR student, I’ll offer this: We can’t turn back time. Just like TV and every other technological advance seen by some as disastrous for kids, cell phones are not going away. The more we focus on teaching kids to use them responsibly, the better off they’ll be.

My kids know how and when to use their phones, including in school. They know what their teachers’ expectations are. They are smart, social kids, as are their friends; just like I didn’t fail to develop socially and emotionally because I was watched a lot of TV as a kid (alone and with friends), my kids aren’t stunted by their phone use.

I am thrilled that my kids missed the yondr experiment at JR, which by all accounts was a distraction and waste of time and money. I much prefer the school’s current approach, which I believe to be much more realistic and age-appropriate.

I am a HS teacher and I think many of the parents of kids I teach would echo much of what you said. From a teacher perspective, phones are still a major distraction in school even for those kids. It’s a source of anxiety and stress for many kids. It’s not like the television- this is something that is on their person at all times. Many kids can’t even go to the bathroom without staring at their phones. I teach kids who are academically motivated and want to do well. I still think phones are a huge distraction and cause social issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Deal's policy is here https://www.alicedealmiddleschool.org/community-updates/cell-phones-smart-watches-and-air-pods

Basically: "Students who come to school without their Yondr Pouch or who do not secure their phone in the Yondr Pouch in their locker will be required to turn in their phone for the remainder of the term."

JR's policy is here https://jacksonreedhs.org/policies-and-procedures/#

Basically: "Electronic devices may not be used in the classroom unless the teacher has indicated that the phones will be used for instructional reasons, and they post a sign on the door stating that phones are being used for that purpose. Students who violate the rule and have their phone out or charging during class must give the electronic device to the teacher (or administrator or staff member) upon request. "

Wow, this is way better than my kids' MoCo DCC middle and high schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the parent of a recent JR graduate and a current JR student, I’ll offer this: We can’t turn back time. Just like TV and every other technological advance seen by some as disastrous for kids, cell phones are not going away. The more we focus on teaching kids to use them responsibly, the better off they’ll be.

My kids know how and when to use their phones, including in school. They know what their teachers’ expectations are. They are smart, social kids, as are their friends; just like I didn’t fail to develop socially and emotionally because I was watched a lot of TV as a kid (alone and with friends), my kids aren’t stunted by their phone use.

I am thrilled that my kids missed the yondr experiment at JR, which by all accounts was a distraction and waste of time and money. I much prefer the school’s current approach, which I believe to be much more realistic and age-appropriate.

I agree with part of your post - we cannot turn back time. And it is correct, that every generation has had something that people view as 'new' and 'bad' like TV, computers, etc. However, if you take time to read the wealth of research they have now on kids who grew up using smart phones - having constant access to the internet has impacted development and mental health in ways that has never happened before. Even when our generation had computers in our youth, there was typically only one per household, you had limited access (and slow internet), etc. I am sure there are some kids who are able to navigate through the real world while always on/with a smart phone, and perhaps your kids are two of them - but data shows the vast majority of young adults do not benefit, and it is in fact detrimental. We can't turn back time, but we have a chance to make changes moving forward.

Every one thinks the latest thing is unique and worse than the thing that came before it. The panicky research today is no different than the panicky research of a generation ago or a century ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the parent of a recent JR graduate and a current JR student, I’ll offer this: We can’t turn back time. Just like TV and every other technological advance seen by some as disastrous for kids, cell phones are not going away. The more we focus on teaching kids to use them responsibly, the better off they’ll be.

My kids know how and when to use their phones, including in school. They know what their teachers’ expectations are. They are smart, social kids, as are their friends; just like I didn’t fail to develop socially and emotionally because I was watched a lot of TV as a kid (alone and with friends), my kids aren’t stunted by their phone use.

I am thrilled that my kids missed the yondr experiment at JR, which by all accounts was a distraction and waste of time and money. I much prefer the school’s current approach, which I believe to be much more realistic and age-appropriate.

I agree with part of your post - we cannot turn back time. And it is correct, that every generation has had something that people view as 'new' and 'bad' like TV, computers, etc. However, if you take time to read the wealth of research they have now on kids who grew up using smart phones - having constant access to the internet has impacted development and mental health in ways that has never happened before. Even when our generation had computers in our youth, there was typically only one per household, you had limited access (and slow internet), etc. I am sure there are some kids who are able to navigate through the real world while always on/with a smart phone, and perhaps your kids are two of them - but data shows the vast majority of young adults do not benefit, and it is in fact detrimental. We can't turn back time, but we have a chance to make changes moving forward.

Every one thinks the latest thing is unique and worse than the thing that came before it. The panicky research today is no different than the panicky research of a generation ago or a century ago.

I don't think the research is panicky, it seems pretty in depth and thought through. And part of the research is directly comparing today's world/kids/situation to generations past, showing it is not the same. I'd suggest folks look into it before assuming it is not a big deal. COVID didn't help either - and depending on family situations, some kids were completely glued to screens for years which didn't help the situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the parent of a recent JR graduate and a current JR student, I’ll offer this: We can’t turn back time. Just like TV and every other technological advance seen by some as disastrous for kids, cell phones are not going away. The more we focus on teaching kids to use them responsibly, the better off they’ll be.

My kids know how and when to use their phones, including in school. They know what their teachers’ expectations are. They are smart, social kids, as are their friends; just like I didn’t fail to develop socially and emotionally because I was watched a lot of TV as a kid (alone and with friends), my kids aren’t stunted by their phone use.

I am thrilled that my kids missed the yondr experiment at JR, which by all accounts was a distraction and waste of time and money. I much prefer the school’s current approach, which I believe to be much more realistic and age-appropriate.

I agree with part of your post - we cannot turn back time. And it is correct, that every generation has had something that people view as 'new' and 'bad' like TV, computers, etc. However, if you take time to read the wealth of research they have now on kids who grew up using smart phones - having constant access to the internet has impacted development and mental health in ways that has never happened before. Even when our generation had computers in our youth, there was typically only one per household, you had limited access (and slow internet), etc. I am sure there are some kids who are able to navigate through the real world while always on/with a smart phone, and perhaps your kids are two of them - but data shows the vast majority of young adults do not benefit, and it is in fact detrimental. We can't turn back time, but we have a chance to make changes moving forward.

Every one thinks the latest thing is unique and worse than the thing that came before it. The panicky research today is no different than the panicky research of a generation ago or a century ago.

I don't think the research is panicky, it seems pretty in depth and thought through. And part of the research is directly comparing today's world/kids/situation to generations past, showing it is not the same. I'd suggest folks look into it before assuming it is not a big deal. COVID didn't help either - and depending on family situations, some kids were completely glued to screens for years which didn't help the situation.

Yeah, i finally read The Anxious Generation book and now I'm utterly convinced that we need to reverse the social media thing. It's not the phone -- it's the apps. They are built to be addictive and kids are powerless to resist. Bring back dumbphones.

[Anonymous]

IME at Jackson reed, it varies. No teachers or school policy forbids phones. Some teachers give extra credit or some kind of reward to students who voluntarily turn in phones during class. A few teachers expected kids to use their phone in class, eg to shoot a video project. Most just mildly exhorted kids to put phones away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the parent of a recent JR graduate and a current JR student, I’ll offer this: We can’t turn back time. Just like TV and every other technological advance seen by some as disastrous for kids, cell phones are not going away. The more we focus on teaching kids to use them responsibly, the better off they’ll be.

My kids know how and when to use their phones, including in school. They know what their teachers’ expectations are. They are smart, social kids, as are their friends; just like I didn’t fail to develop socially and emotionally because I was watched a lot of TV as a kid (alone and with friends), my kids aren’t stunted by their phone use.

I am thrilled that my kids missed the yondr experiment at JR, which by all accounts was a distraction and waste of time and money. I much prefer the school’s current approach, which I believe to be much more realistic and age-appropriate.

I agree with part of your post - we cannot turn back time. And it is correct, that every generation has had something that people view as 'new' and 'bad' like TV, computers, etc. However, if you take time to read the wealth of research they have now on kids who grew up using smart phones - having constant access to the internet has impacted development and mental health in ways that has never happened before. Even when our generation had computers in our youth, there was typically only one per household, you had limited access (and slow internet), etc. I am sure there are some kids who are able to navigate through the real world while always on/with a smart phone, and perhaps your kids are two of them - but data shows the vast majority of young adults do not benefit, and it is in fact detrimental. We can't turn back time, but we have a chance to make changes moving forward.

Every one thinks the latest thing is unique and worse than the thing that came before it. The panicky research today is no different than the panicky research of a generation ago or a century ago.

I don't think the research is panicky, it seems pretty in depth and thought through. And part of the research is directly comparing today's world/kids/situation to generations past, showing it is not the same. I'd suggest folks look into it before assuming it is not a big deal. COVID didn't help either - and depending on family situations, some kids were completely glued to screens for years which didn't help the situation.

Yeah, i finally read The Anxious Generation book and now I'm utterly convinced that we need to reverse the social media thing. It's not the phone -- it's the apps. They are built to be addictive and kids are powerless to resist. Bring back dumbphones.

JR parent PP here, and on this we agree. But the way to address this is through muscular regulation of technology companies, not by putting phones in lockers at school. We should be able to use our phones for convenience and pleasure.

And at the risk of turning this thread political: there’s a reason Big Tech money is getting behind Trump. Rather than writing letters to Ferebee to protect your kids from the devices you give them, spend your time working like hell to defeat Trump.