DANVILLE — Danville Local School students may need to say goodbye to their cellphones next school year.
Danville Board of Education and administration discussed a revised student cell phone policy at March 18 regular meeting.
“In recent years, personal communication devices such as smartphones have transformed the dynamics of the school settings,” a recent Danville Local Schools newsletter states. “While these devices offer connectivity and access to information, they also pose significant challenges to maintaining focus and engagement during educational activities and setting.
“The temptation of social media, gaming apps, and instant messaging often competes with students’ attention, leading to reduced productivity, learning outcomes and social emotional stress.”
School resource officer Rich Miller said issues caused by cell phones happen in and out of school, often occurring at night and then bleeding into the next school day.
Miller approaches these conflicts with educating students on safe cell phone usage and conducting oneself as a good “digital citizen.”
Miller has taught a social media safety lesson from NetSmartz, part of National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which gives teenagers a checklist of how to have a safe online experience.
It includes reviewing what you’re about to post, reporting harmful behavior, checking account settings and talking with friends about what’s OK to post.
Widespread studies have shown cell phone usage, especially among adolescents, increases stress, anxiety and depression.
“There is also a growing concern about the potential adverse effects of excessive screen time on students’ mental health and well-being. Research has highlighted the negative impact of prolonged smartphone use on sleep patterns, attention spans and emotional regulation among adolescents,” the newsletter states. “By curbing cell phone use during school hours, educators hope to promote healthier lifestyle habits and mitigate the risk of technology-related issues affecting students’ overall wellbeing.”
The board and administration brainstormed how to keep phones secure throughout the day, rather than banning cell phones from entering the building.
The administration agreed support from staff will be needed during this change, making sure everyone is being consistent with the policy.
Superintendent Jason Snively mentioned a separate meeting with the community and parents may before the policy is introduced to the board and approved.
In the next couple of months, stakeholders are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions that best serve the needs of students, educators and the community at large, the newsletter states, adding you’re encouraged to reach out to Snively and he’ll share your comments with the administration and school board.
One common setback caretakers have about student’s not having cellphones in school is in case of emergencies.
Miller tells parents to “trust the process.”
“The school has communication devices,” Miller said. “Telephones here (…) every staff member has a telephone, we have a two way radio system. If a message is delivered it can get to the student without delay. We have things in place to receive messages and get it to students in a timely manner.”