The Importance of Setting Guidelines for Cellphone Use in Schools

As technology continues to advance, educators are facing new challenges in the classroom, particularly when it comes to students’ cellphone use. Mark Lopez, principal at Garcia Middle School in the Northside Independent School District, understands the struggle of trying to teach and hold students’ attention while they are constantly distracted by their phones.

Lopez has implemented guidelines at his school that require students to put their phones away at 8:30 a.m. and not use them again until 3:55 p.m. This policy allows for some flexibility, as teachers can permit students to use their phones for educational purposes. The ultimate goal is to teach kids how to use cellphones as a tool for learning and not just a distraction.

Any violation of the cellphone policy results in a warning, followed by administrative action, such as confiscating the device for the day. This strict approach has helped reduce conflicts that often arise on social media platforms among students.

Kimberly Ridgley, assistant superintendent for Whole Child Development at NISD, emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries around cellphone use and modeling positive behavior for students. Ridgley also highlights the detrimental impact of social media on youths’ mental health, as constantly comparing their lives to others’ highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

It is crucial for school staff, families, and students to have open discussions about cellphone use in the classroom and work together to establish guidelines that best suit their community. By doing so, we can create a more focused, productive learning environment that promotes both academic success and positive social skills.

Find Back to School stories on KSAT.com here