New Policy: APS school board adopts all-day ban on student phone use, makes one exception

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

Why the heck are you texting your teacher friends while you are supposed to be teaching our kids? Like being out of Kleenex is some sort of big emergency? No wonder the kids are on their phones so much, they see their teachers doing it all the time. Thanks for showing us teachers can't handle this privilege either.

We try to keep Kleenex around. Lots of sick kids. You got me- I’m worthless.

If you're not sending home the sick kids, then yes you are worthless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

Why the heck are you texting your teacher friends while you are supposed to be teaching our kids? Like being out of Kleenex is some sort of big emergency? No wonder the kids are on their phones so much, they see their teachers doing it all the time. Thanks for showing us teachers can't handle this privilege either.

HaHa! I knew you’d have a problem with that. It took 10 seconds. Calm down. I’m pretty sure I could work circles around you.

while you're on social media constantly? doubt it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

I understand. But a call to the office isn't a huge disruption. And it doesn't require looking up everyone's classroom # like the previous comment complained about.

For kids quietly engaged in work, it is a distraction and one that could be avoided using modern tech.

But you all wanted the office to call the classroom instead of kids texting, do you even remember that? You didn't think it was a distraction to other kids then. So why is the classroom landline only a distraction when it's in lieu of a teacher's personal phone use?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

Except it was disruptive according to your story.

You illustrated the problem with allowing teachers to use their phones during the day remarkably well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

I understand. But a call to the office isn't a huge disruption. And it doesn't require looking up everyone's classroom # like the previous comment complained about.

For kids quietly engaged in work, it is a distraction and one that could be avoided using modern tech.

But you all wanted the office to call the classroom instead of kids texting, do you even remember that? You didn't think it was a distraction to other kids then. So why is the classroom landline only a distraction when it's in lieu of a teacher's personal phone use?

.

Settle down. Read again. I’m a pro-cell phone poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

Except it was disruptive according to your story.

You illustrated the problem with allowing teachers to use their phones during the day remarkably well.

There is a serious reading comprehension issue. The use of the cell phone by the teacher PREVENTED disruption in the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

Except it was disruptive according to your story.

You illustrated the problem with allowing teachers to use their phones during the day remarkably well.

There is a serious reading comprehension issue. The use of the cell phone by the teacher PREVENTED disruption in the classroom.

You obviously didn't read her story. Try again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

Except it was disruptive according to your story.

You illustrated the problem with allowing teachers to use their phones during the day remarkably well.

There is a serious reading comprehension issue. The use of the cell phone by the teacher PREVENTED disruption in the classroom.

You obviously didn't read her story. Try again.

Haha! I'm the example providing poster and using my phone to contact the office meant I got the help I needed and the kids weren't disturbed while working on their assignment. Anyone who has been in a classroom knows that phone calls are too interesting for kids and they will stop what they are doing to listen in. That's pretty clearly an argument in favor of letting teachers have a cell phone.

[Anonymous]

So since a phone call is so distracting to students as you say, what about a phone call telling a teacher to tell a kid to come to the office so his mom can pick him up for a dentist appt? Wouldn't that be distracting too?

And wouldn't it be less distracting for the kid to just get a text from mom to come out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

Look, either cell phones are horrible or they are not. But they can't be horrible when students use them, and the best thing ever when teachers use them. Pick one. Which is it?

[Anonymous]

I want my HS kid to have their phone. You are picking an argument the wrong person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/files/DBTR7M6BF6F2/$file/J-30%20Student%20Use%20of%20Cell%20Phones%20and%20Personal%20Electronic%20Communication%20Devices_.pdf">Policy J-30 Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Communication Devices</a>

School Board adopts all-day ban on student phone use, makes one exception
https://www.arlnow.com/2024/12/13/school-board-adopts-all-day-ban-on-student-phone-use-makes-one-exception/

"Arlington School Board members Thursday night (Dec. 12) voted unanimously (5-0) to implement a bell-to-bell ban on student use of phones in county schools starting Jan. 6. High school students will be allowed to have “brief” access to their phones in designated areas during non-instructional time, most likely around lunchtime."

No mention of penalties for students, and admin/teachers who do not follow the new policy.

Where do you see that this applies to admin/teachers? The quote above specifies “student use”.

It says they have to be off and away. It doesn't say only students have to turn them off and put them away.

Why would it be OK for teachers to play on their phones during the school day?

The policy is titled “Student use of cell phones…”. Everything that follows in the post mentions “student”.

Why are you asking if it would be ok for teachers to “play on their phones”? Who suggested that? There are, however, legitimate reasons a teacher might utilize a phone during the school day.

what are the legitimate reasons a teacher might have to use their phone during the school day?

None of your fcking business.

Well, you are quite unpleasant. And what do you mean not of my business? The teachers are ON the job supposed to be teaching my children. What they do during this time is exactly my and all of our business.

I'll ask again - why would a teacher HAVE to use their phone during the school day?

No. You don't get to ask that. You are not their boss and you have zero say into their work expectations.

Sit down.

Lots of people here don't seem to have a problem with bossing around other people's kids.

A ban on an addictive and distracting device that was recommended by your child’s teachers? And all scientists? And now most major school jurisdictions across the country? And the elite private schools? And most parents?

And opposed by most students? And some helicopter parents who can’t handle their child’s sports practice change?

If they're that bad, then teachers shouldn't have them during the school day, either.

Teachers are adults with different responsibilities. What are you, 12?

If a teacher is using a phone during class to scroll TikTok, I agree they should be fired. We can’t expel students for doing it though, because this is public school.

Or between classes. Or during lunch.

Let's install MDM software on any phones that teachers use during the school day to monitor for such unauthorized uses.

Again with the “let’s.” Sweetie, the pittance of your property taxes earmarked for public schools makes you the boss of NO ONE.

Your burns would hit better if you were actually right. It was used correctly. Look it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Policy J-30 Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Communication Devices

School Board adopts all-day ban on student phone use, makes one exception
https://www.arlnow.com/2024/12/13/school-board-adopts-all-day-ban-on-student-phone-use-makes-one-exception/

"Arlington School Board members Thursday night (Dec. 12) voted unanimously (5-0) to implement a bell-to-bell ban on student use of phones in county schools starting Jan. 6. High school students will be allowed to have “brief” access to their phones in designated areas during non-instructional time, most likely around lunchtime."

No mention of penalties for students, and admin/teachers who do not follow the new policy.

Where do you see that this applies to admin/teachers? The quote above specifies “student use”.

It says they have to be off and away. It doesn't say only students have to turn them off and put them away.

Why would it be OK for teachers to play on their phones during the school day?

The policy is titled “Student use of cell phones…”. Everything that follows in the post mentions “student”.

Why are you asking if it would be ok for teachers to “play on their phones”? Who suggested that? There are, however, legitimate reasons a teacher might utilize a phone during the school day.

what are the legitimate reasons a teacher might have to use their phone during the school day?

None of your fcking business.

Well, you are quite unpleasant. And what do you mean not of my business? The teachers are ON the job supposed to be teaching my children. What they do during this time is exactly my and all of our business.

I'll ask again - why would a teacher HAVE to use their phone during the school day?

No. You don't get to ask that. You are not their boss and you have zero say into their work expectations.

Sit down.

Lots of people here don't seem to have a problem with bossing around other people's kids.

A ban on an addictive and distracting device that was recommended by your child’s teachers? And all scientists? And now most major school jurisdictions across the country? And the elite private schools? And most parents?

And opposed by most students? And some helicopter parents who can’t handle their child’s sports practice change?

If they're that bad, then teachers shouldn't have them during the school day, either.

I’m convinced. If teachers are really so against phones in school, they should live with the same ban. Principles too. Let’s get them pouches. Violations subject to write up’s. Let the teachers focus on teaching without social media distractions.

That is ridiculous, and I am a parent, not a teacher. The whole point of a phone ban in schools is to permit children to experience a distraction-free educational experience: students can focus on their academics, they can practice face-to-face communication, they have more opportunities for social and academic engagement, they won't be tempted to bully, they won't be distracted by helicopter parents of feel depressed or anxious due to incoming phone notifications or social media posts (look, I know teens can feel the same way about in person social interactions but those kinds of interactions are still proven to be kinder than what happens online), the list goes on. My concern is my child's experience, and I value it being phone free including ALL the students that makeup that community. If a teacher is in the teacher's lounge or in their empty classroom, I have zero concern or objection with them checking their phones. Of course, if a teacher is on their phone checking Facebook during class, that is a whole other issue that relates to their maturity and professionalism and should be dealt with by the administration accordingly.

Well the only way to enforce a rule that a teacher isn't on Facebook during class is a bright line ban. Also, I think teachers should be engaging in face to face communication with their colleagues during breaks. They should not be using their phones when alone in their classroom. That is paid time for planning, so the phone needs to be banned so it does not continue to distract them from their job duties.

+1. Either it is important or it isn't. Allowing teachers to play on their phones during the school day suggests it isn't important.

Teachers are telling you it’s harming the students. So are scientists. Social media companies admit that they program their platforms to be addictive as possible. Do you not experience your child being distracted on their phone? If you don’t, you either don’t have a teenager or you aren’t paying attention.

We make rules for children in schools that are distinct from adult employees in all kinds of professional jobs. I’m so unclear why you think that making a rule for children that doesn’t apply to adults makes the rule for children a bad rule? Of course it would be better if we all (adults) put our phones down during the work day. But that is a separate question from making rules for students.

If you think it is also bad for adults, then why wouldn't you expect adults to abide by the same rule when they are supposed to be working? We're not talking about what they do at home.

+1. Plus it's going to be pretty hard for teachers to enforce a ban when they are on their own phones. Practice what you preach!!!

Y'all are acting like teachers are on their phones all day, including during their own lectures and classes. The "teachers" that have been guilty of this are substitute teachers - they are the ones who should be given pouches when they report for duty.

Some of them are addicted to their phones, just like some students are. Give everyone pouches.

Nope. Pouches are only for students.

We can get them for teachers too, so y'all can model better behavior. I'll even donate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

Look, either cell phones are horrible or they are not. But they can't be horrible when students use them, and the best thing ever when teachers use them. Pick one. Which is it?

+1, all these teachers suddenly saying how awesome phones are and how they minimize distractions when they don't want their own phones taken away, big change from a month ago when they said they were soooo distracting that students can't have them at all even between classes. WHICH IS IT?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

Look, either cell phones are horrible or they are not. But they can't be horrible when students use them, and the best thing ever when teachers use them. Pick one. Which is it?

+1, all these teachers suddenly saying how awesome phones are and how they minimize distractions when they don't want their own phones taken away, big change from a month ago when they said they were soooo distracting that students can't have them at all even between classes. WHICH IS IT?

Students using their phones during class instead of listening, taking notes, participating in discussion, etc. is distracting: to the students around them, which causes a greater distraction for more students and the teacher and disrupts the teacher's class and/or other students' work.

Teachers using phones for class tasks (apparently timers, taking photos) is not - even if a phone isn't actually necessary to do those things. Students don't need them for calculators in class, either - there are actual calculators they can use.

If teachers were scrolling the internet, texting all their friends, watching youtube videos, or playing video games instead of giving their presentations and lectures, working with individual students, monitoring students group work, or answering students' questions, that would be distracting.

Is that clearer to you now?