Away for the Day

It's our responsibility to prepare our kids for adulthood, which includes being comfortable without personal devices. Developing good habits early is crucial. Many professions require periods without phone use. Studies show that the mere presence of a phone can distract students and refocusing can take up to 20 minutes. Current research indicates that phone use during school hours negatively affects children both academically and emotionally.

Cell phone and smart device use during a tragedy can detract from school safety and create a less safe environment by distracting students from listening to staff and teachers and creating noise that would be unsafe in a lockdown. Experts quoted in the Washington Post said, “The general rule is, when you’re in a lockdown, educators and safety officials don’t want kids on the phones because you want their full 100 percent attention on the teacher or other educators.”

Per National School Safety and Security Services, “A phone can make unwanted noises, and in a silent lockdown, even a vibration could be too loud. Depending on their age, kids might also be tempted to post about an ongoing incident to social media, which experts say could both inspire other potential gunmen seeking fame or reveal details about their location. Even the ability to call 911 isn’t a good reason, because an entire school full of people calling at once could overload a switchboard.” Also, “Cell phone use also accelerates the unintentional (and potentially intentional) spread of misinformation, rumors, and fear.”

In order to keep students safe with an Away for the Day policy, District and school emergency guidelines and crisis communications plans must be in place to manage and respond in a timely manner to rumors and to communicate on security incidents and in crises.

Data has shown that Away for the Day cell phone policies have actually decreased incidences of bullying taking place at schools. Exemptions should be made by school administration for students with special circumstances. Students in this case must keep the cell phone out of sight and may not bring it out for any reason during the school day except to send or receive a text message or phone call, or use an approved app. The presence of cell phones increases the likelihood of online bullying (in fact, various state school districts have filed a lawsuit against the social media companies).

Cell phone use during school hours negatively affects children both academically and emotionally according to current research. Many studies have found cell phone use in the classroom to be detrimental to learning and resulting in lower academic scores. Even the mere presence of a cell phone nearby can detract from the learning taking place.

Parents and students can still contact each other during the day as needed with Away for the Day. For urgent messages, parents can use the school office. Each classroom also has a phone available for work, childcare, or emergencies.