New mobile phone policies for 2024/25 school year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:None of this sounds new; maybe just for the few schools that didn't already do this years ago?

For high schools it would be. Bans on phones in middle and lower schools are common. But few schools have a high school ban

[Anonymous]

One issue at our school is online gambling. Kids making bets throughout the day, though we also have some active day traders playing with Robinhood.

[Anonymous]

We're a Maret family and I would 100% support a phone ban in the US. I hope more schools, including ours, move in this direction.

[Anonymous]

Holton’s policy is new for next year — full ban of phones and Apple Watches during school day. They are rolling it out now. I’ve heard nothing but good feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Holton’s policy is new for next year — full ban of phones and Apple Watches during school day. They are rolling it out now. I’ve heard nothing but good feedback.

I really hope our school follows this lead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And when your kid goes to college???

Yeah not the right answer people, you failed.

Turns out that laptops in college have a detrimental effect on learning.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360131521001305

In general laptops being used for off-task activities distract everyone who can see the screen.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360131520301007

Think that phones are any different? Colleges have been fighting this battle for over a decade now, which is why some professors started declaring screen free spaces ages ago.

I teach at a t20. I am floored by how increasingly distracted students are in classes by their devices. Even in small seminars where their behavior is so noticeable. The most recent crop of students this year is the most distracted I have ever seen. I wonder why some of them even bother coming to class sometimes. The small handful of engaged students in lecture really stand out now. Many colleagues are considering a screen ban, including closed laptops, during lecture or seminar. Otherwise your tuition dollars are going down the drain while your kid warms a chair in the lecture hall while his or her mind is elsewhere. It’s also demoralizing to teach to such a crowd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is Potomac making any changes in access to phones?

Also, how do smart watches factor into these discussions?

Smart watches are a big problem in the classroom. I would never let my kid have one, and yet people here boast about buying them for young kids. Why?

[Anonymous]

How about Catholic parochial schools
Specifically in Nova? What’s their policy?

[Anonymous]

Our child has an applewatch. our dd puts it on school mode and does not use it during the school day. Any device that is being used or that goes off during the school day gets confiscated and the parents must come in and retrieve it. Is not an issue for my or most other students as the middle school admin and staff enforce the policy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Holton’s policy is new for next year — full ban of phones and Apple Watches during school day. They are rolling it out now. I’ve heard nothing but good feedback.

In this full ban for upper school as well as the lower school? Kudos to Holton. Great move

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holton’s policy is new for next year — full ban of phones and Apple Watches during school day. They are rolling it out now. I’ve heard nothing but good feedback.

In this full ban for upper school as well as the lower school? Kudos to Holton. Great move

Lower and Middle school already have essentially this policy (may be some updates). Real effect will be on Upper School.

[Anonymous]

I wish Little Langley would ban phones and iWatches

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about Catholic parochial schools
Specifically in Nova? What’s their policy?

Each school has its own policy. St. Louis in Alexandria does not allow phones or any devices like Apple Watches. I love that kids are developing social skills during lunch, recess, etc.

[Anonymous]

For HS, is anyone concerned that banning phones fails to teach students the self-discipline they will need around electronics in college?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For HS, is anyone concerned that banning phones fails to teach students the self-discipline they will need around electronics in college?

No, I think less device time and less social media exposure while they are still assembling that executive function is simply better.