We are moving towards a policy of no cell phones during the school day at La Mesa, including brunch, lunch and between classes. Students would be expected to place their phone, air pods (and other wireless headphones), smart watches, and other electronics into the off position and into their backpack before entering school. They may access these items again at the end of the day once they exit the gates. There will be some circumstances where teachers may allow use for instructional purposes during the class period. Students will be able to use their phones for parent-student communication during after school activities, such as dances, and on field trips under the direction of supervising adults.We would like to consider parent and guardian concerns as we finalize and improve our cell phone policy. Please use the spaces below to share with us.

Social-Emotional Effects
Research indicates that there is a strong link between cell phone use, social media access, and teen depression and anxiety. Increased cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate material due to lack of oversight of cell phone and social media use.

Privacy
Privacy issues with students taking photos and videos of embarrassing situations, fights, and medical emergencies compromise the privacy and confidentiality students should expect while at school, both within the classroom and outside during breaks.

Social
Antisocial behavior is growing. Students choose to engross themselves in video games, videos, or social media during breaks instead of interacting with their peers. This increases the amount of screen time which is also believed to increase ADHD symptoms. It also impacts their ability to carry on a conversation, make eye contact, and build relationships. All of these skills are necessary for success in post-secondary life.

Impact on Learning
Distraction in the classroom: Every time the phone buzzes, even while in a pocket out of sight, it distracts students away from their learning. Students take longer bathroom breaks as they check messages and listen to music instead of being in class. Some student tardiness is also a result of between class electronic use. Students can also be tempted to use the cell phone as a tool to cheat.

Theft and Damage
Smartphones and iPads are very expensive items. The number of screens broken, phones lost or stolen, or damaged in some way is stressful on kids, takes time away from instructional objectives for staff when investigating, and is costly to families.

Things to consider:
Chromebooks are available in every classroom on campus. Phones are no longer needed as a learning tool.
Landline phones are in every classroom to handle emergency situations.
Students have access to phones in the office to contact parents.
Students can check phones at the end of the day for any after-school plan changes.
Parents can call with emergencies and we will get messages to students.
Students have regular access to email throughout the day.

Some resources:
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/cellphones-classrooms-contribute-failing-grades-study/story?id=56837614
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/18/research-shows-that-cell-phones-distract-students--so-france-banned-them-in-school--.html

Follow-Up communication will be sent addressing concerns shared in the survey. We will also be hosting an opportunity to discuss concerns in person on Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 pm at La Mesa in the MPR. Parents with specific concerns are also invited to contact Principal Michele Krantz at mkrantz@hartdistrict.org or by phone at 661-250-0022 ext 131.