Cell Phone Free Schools Initiative

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers: 

Cell Phones have proven to be one of the most disruptive technologies in today’s world. While they have enabled breathtaking ease of access to others, to content and information, and given rise to the phenomenon of social media, the reality is in schools cell phones have grown to become much more of a barrier to learning than an aid to learning.  Emerging literature suggests that the inherent design of cell phones, including algorithms that promote addiction, has contributed to a youth mental health crisis, fractured attention spans, and promoted a wave of negative behaviors that disrupt our learning environments. 

In May 2023, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an extraordinary advisory warning that, “there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.” School districts across the country have been engaged in analyses that have led to a range of efforts to limit access to cell phones and social media during the school day.  In recent months, a growing number of districts have adopted outright bans on cell phones in schools and are utilizing a variety of policy mechanisms to enforce those bans. 

Our experience in Wilton is not dissimilar to other school districts across the country.  Our school administrators spend innumerable hours investigating disruptive student online behavior that occurs outside of school. Our school counselors dedicate substantial time responding to student dysregulation as a result of online behavior and teachers report ongoing challenges maintaining student attention even with commonsense cell phone management practices in place. 

Based on the available literature and research and based on our experience, we have concluded that with respect to cell phones in schools, the benefits do not outweigh the drawbacks. Consequently, the district proposes implementing a cell phone free schools policy.

Our goals for adopting a cell phone free schools policy include: 

1. Enhancing Academic Focus: Our lived experiences coupled with emerging literature has revealed just how much of a significant source of distraction cell phones can be in the classroom. By removing this distraction, we hope to reclaim an environment more conducive to focused learning and critical thinking. In the absence of cell phones, it is our belief that students will be better able to engage with their teachers and peers, resulting in deeper understanding and retention of the material.

2. Promoting Connection through Face-to Face Interaction: Interpersonal connection is one of the most powerful antidotes to social isolation. By limiting cell phone use during school hours, we encourage students to interact more directly with one another, fostering stronger relationships and a greater sense of community within our schools. 

3. Improving Mental Health: The constant connectivity enabled by cell phones can contribute to anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues among students. A cell phone free environment can help alleviate some of these pressures, providing a more peaceful and supportive atmosphere in which students can thrive emotionally and mentally.

4. Supporting Positive Behaviors: Reducing cell phone use can also help mitigate issues such as cyberbullying and inappropriate online behavior. A cell phone free policy encourages students to engage in healthier, more respectful interactions both in and out of the classroom.

We define Cell Phone Free Schools as: 

No access to cell phones in school from the first bell to the last bell. “Cell phone free” refers to phones (both internet and non internet connected), airpods, earbuds and bluetooth connected headphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers and other accessories that connect to the internet.

• Miller-Driscoll: 9:00 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.

• Cider Mill: 7:40 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.

• Middlebrook and Wilton High School: 8:20 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.

We understand that this initiative represents a significant change and will require adjustments from both staff and students. We anticipate that it will be  unpopular with our students and we also acknowledge that this effort will not be a panacea. Students will still have access to their laptops and chromebooks and it is not hard to imagine that some students will endeavor to circumvent the policy. We ask for your support with this effort. By enacting this policy, in addition to the objectives named above, we are creating a 6.5 hour window for students to be cell phone free and sending an important message to our community about the harmful impact excessive cell phone use can have on students. 

I recognize that there will be many questions about this effort. Please take some time to review the information below and respond to the survey linked here. We will have opportunities to discuss this when school reopens in August. 

Sincerely,

Kevin J. Smith, Ph. D.

Superintendent of Schools

NEW FOR 2024