Cell phones in sixth grade?

[Anonymous]

I was surprised to learn that the MS that our kids will attend allows cell phones at lunch and break times. Students are permitted to carry phones during the school day, although they aren't permitted during classes. It is already such a battle to limit this stuff at home. Middle school just seems really young have students on phones and I would think it cuts down on face to face interaction. Maybe I'm just behind the times. Is this the norm?

[Anonymous]

Each school sets its own policies. I think it's a hard line to draw.

But yes, that's pretty typical for middle school. That was the policy at several private middle schools we toured 5 years ago.

[Anonymous]

The only way to control this is to not give your kids a phone.

[Anonymous]

We just toured- our MS has a no cell policy after they noticed how silent the lunch area was- everyone was looking at their phone instead of interacting. Suspensions, detention, suspension etc all down substantially since the ban.

[Anonymous]

No cell phones at all during the day at Deal. They have to turn them off before they enter and leave them in their lockers all day.

[Anonymous]

What is the name of the MS that switched to no cell policy?

[Anonymous]

OP it isn't just phones you need to be concerned about.

Ask about their smartwatch policies, and how much students have access to the internet via school tablets or laptops during the day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No cell phones at all during the day at Deal. They have to turn them off before they enter and leave them in their lockers all day.

Same at Hardy. Good policy. My child needs a phone after school because of changing schedules, activiites, etc but I don’t want him on it during the school day. If I were you OP, I’d get the PTA to discuss and push back on the policy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was surprised to learn that the MS that our kids will attend allows cell phones at lunch and break times. Students are permitted to carry phones during the school day, although they aren't permitted during classes. It is already such a battle to limit this stuff at home. Middle school just seems really young have students on phones and I would think it cuts down on face to face interaction. Maybe I'm just behind the times. Is this the norm?

yikes! There is time enough for that. Just say no parents, come on. Everybody get your kids flip phones until age 16. Maybe 18.

[Anonymous]

Banneker which is a HS has the same policy as Deal; they have cell phone lockers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Banneker which is a HS has the same policy as Deal; they have cell phone lockers.

McKinley has cell phone kickers too, but is a 1:1 tech school and all students have school laptops.

Students at Wilson and SWW are allowed to have devices.

Basis prohibits devices for middle school students. High school students can use them during lunch.