Cell phones in schools have made headlines across the United States as teachers, administrators, and legislators grapple with managing these ubiquitous devices. Teachers have long recognized the challenges that Alexander Graham Bell’s invention poses in the classroom.
Cell phones are a major distraction for students, diminishing their focus and engagement during lessons. The capability to record videos has transformed minor, embarrassing moments at school into permanent, shareable content, exacerbating issues like cyberbullying. Schools are thus compelled to address these concerns to maintain a respectful and orderly environment.
As local and state governments move to ban cell phones in schools, the key question is how these bans will be implemented. Additionally, what strategies can schools in areas without such bans employ to minimize distractions?
Having successfully enforced a no-cell-phone policy in various schools for nearly 15 years, here’s a comprehensive approach that has proven effective:
- Morning Collection: Cell phones were collected at the beginning of the day by a designated leader or homeroom teacher. Building strong relationships is crucial for this step, so ensure the team is well-trained and approachable.
- Centralized Storage: All collected phones were stored in a secure, centralized location. Small cell phone lockers work well, but a labeled Tupperware bin for each class can also be effective. Phones were stored in the front office, allowing easy access for students who needed to leave early.
- Incentivize Compliance: To encourage students to turn in their phones, we implemented class-wide incentives. Classes earned points for turning in phones and not using them during the day, which could be redeemed for various rewards.
- Strict Enforcement: If a cell phone was found during the day, it was confiscated, and a parent was notified to come and pick it up. This clear consequence helped reinforce the policy.
- End-of-Day Return: At dismissal, we ensured students received their phones back. With cell phone lockers, students could easily retrieve their phones on the way to the buses. For bins, a leader would distribute phones to homerooms about 20 minutes before the end of the day.
The success of this policy hinges on strong relationships between students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Effective communication and mutual respect are essential for compliance and enforcement. Once these relationships are established, the policy becomes easier to manage, and the reduction in distractions is noticeable. Keeping open lines of communication and fostering a supportive environment will help in sustaining these efforts.
-Chris Cantu
