Cell phones have become too much of a distraction at school, ORR Principal Michael Devoll told the Old Rochester Regional School Committee on June 8 before proposing to amend the student handbook to restrict personal cell phone use at school.
“We find students with cell phones in classes … to be the single greatest distraction facing our students and the single greatest impediment to students’ success in the classroom,” said Devoll.
Allowing teachers to use their discretion is too gray of a cell phone use policy, said Devoll. As of September, cell phones must be kept inside lockers and can only be accessed during transition periods between classes, which can range from four to six minutes.
“The problem is the temptation of a cell phone in a pocket or on a desk,” said Devoll. “It’s become the single most distraction that we face.”
Devoll admitted that he, eight years ago as vice principal, advocated strongly for cell phone use in school, thinking that would increase students’ technology, organizational, and communication skills.
“So now we’re back here eight years later saying it’s become too large…” said Devoll, adding that the amount of time spent using cell phones borders on unhealthy and that the students are “victims, really, of this device in their classroom.” He continued, “It’s basically shut down a lot of learning…”
And you should see the cafeteria during lunchtime, added Devoll. More kids are on their cell phones on social media and playing games and using apps than interacting with their peers. It’s also far too common, he said, to see students walking the halls preoccupied on their phones or sitting in study period with earbuds on.
Devoll acknowledged that this new policy isn’t likely to be popular among the student body, especially since being separated from their devices might initially cause some angst.
Students will have a “three strikes and you’re out” consequence for not leaving cell phones in their lockers, and after that the device will no longer be allowed in the building. Excessive breaking of the new policy could result in suspension.
“We’re not saying ‘no’ to technology,” emphasized Devoll, adding that ORR was one of the first schools on the South Coast to allow cell phone use in the school. “We’re saying that we need a stronger academic focus and this does that.”
The next meeting of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee is scheduled for September 7 at 6:30 pm in the junior high media room.
By Jean Perry