Pittsfield School Committee Asks for Input on Cell Phone Policy
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Department is inviting members of the school community to weigh in on student cell-phone usage as it mulls a new policy regulating their use in schools.
In a communication to the school community, Superintendent Joseph Curtis asked for students, parents, and teachers' thoughts to inform the committee's decision-making.
Concerns about phone usage were brought forward by educators earlier this month along with a push for stricter regulations. Chair William Cameron called for an accelerated policy review with possible recommendations made at Wednesday's meeting.
"As you are aware, cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing us with instant access to information, communication, and entertainment. However, their presence in the educational setting raises questions about their impact on learning, focus, and overall well-being," Curtis wrote.
"We believe that your opinions and insights are crucial in shaping our school policies and guidelines regarding cell phone usage. Your firsthand experiences and thoughtful suggestions will help us strike a balance that supports both academic success and responsible technology use. We encourage you to take part in this conversation by sharing your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Your input will help inform the School Committee's decision-making process and ensure that your needs as students are represented."
At the last School Committee meeting, teachers came in droves to speak about how cell phone use is out of control. They cited issues with excessive phone use disrupting education, social and emotional health, and safety.
"Cell phone usage is not just a problem, it is a social epidemic. Studies have proven that excessive usage is rewiring brains and causing severe detrimental effects with our developing youth," Reid Middle School teacher Tammy Russell said.
"These devices have become an unhealthy substitute for real-life interactions. Students' abilities to build positive relationships with their teachers and peers have become heavily compromised. Just mere eye contact has become an issue as so many scroll excessively in search of the next popular TikTok video that got a million likes."
Many called for the use of Yondr pouches or similar devices to lock cell phones during learning times.
Current policy requires devices to be turned off and not used during the instructional day or a school-sponsored activity or program. Violations can result in disciplinary action that includes the confiscation and denial of possession for a varied amount of school days.
In March, the committee made a recommendation to revisit the policy.
The Social Emotional Learning and School Safety subcommittee in April discussed gathering input on responsible cell phone usage from principals, teachers, and students for a policy review. Given the significant role that technology plays in the modern day, there was a question of whether some use should be allowed.
Deputy Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa said the district needs to either close off phone usage or find a way to embrace it.
"I think the in-between world that we've been trying to toggle for many years is slowly creeping away from us and as it becomes more accessible because of cost," she said.
"If you think about the policy in 2015, I would argue there weren't as many students with them at that time but it's just grown in terms of just smaller cell phone carriers coming to light and it's just easier to access and so many of us don't have landlines anymore so there it is the one way to communicate with our children."
The School Committee meeting on cell phone usage is on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
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