Cell phone use in schools has been a hot topic not only in Utah but other states. Administrators in the Davis School District presented the current policies across secondary schools to the school board at a recent meeting.

“We sent out a survey to 30 secondary schools that showed that 17% allow cell phones in classrooms with teacher supervision,” said Secondary School Director Dave Tanner. “Teachers are the classroom gatekeepers.”

Community Councils, principals and staff were involved in policymaking changes, he said. “Except for Renaissance Academy and Adult Ed, they don’t have community councils. Community councils reported 58% strong involvement in shaping policy.”

Other district survey findings show 86% of schools allow phones in the hallway and collaboration spaces. Ninety-seven percent allow them in the cafeteria/lunchtime and 100% allow them before and after school.

A National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) survey showed that 74% say students are more depressed, anxious, or lonely with too much cell phone use, Tanner said. It also reported that 87% of teens are distracted with cell phone use and 85% report technology leads to more conflict and or bullying.

Screengrab from a Davis School District Presentation.

Tanner said teacher reported cellular infractions so far this year are 38% 50 or more, 15% 16-49, 19% 6-15 and 27% 0-5. 

The survey also asked administrators whether the current cell phone policy is improving the learning and overall safety in their school. The response was 73% said it improved and 27% reported that it had stayed the same.

Other data showed that 60% of teachers want local control with Community Councils and 30%  want District Policy supporting a school policy. “Principles are going to assess the data to create a collaborative, holistic effort with all stakeholders in their own building,” said Tanner.

“I think it is important for the board to know that this is a topic we looked at in depth at a study session in the past and chose to take this local approach where we engaged with local Community Councils as much as possible,” said Board President Liz Mumford. “I’m grateful to see that it is working well and we’re seeing the benefits of managing kids’ cell phone time better. I like local control because it gives flexibility to kind of honor the different ages of students in different buildings. Recognizing there could be legislation this year, it puts us in a good position to respond to that.”

“The initial switch would be hard,” said Bountiful High SBO and student board member. “A lot would be against it, especially in high school. But I feel a week or two later when they’re actually performing better academically and socially, I think people would love the break from their phones.”

It would be interesting to see the survey of mental health and phone addiction and screen time, she said. “It’s really easy to hide behind your phone.” λ