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Schools Silence Phones for Social Connection
18 Dec
Summary
- Students report increased socialization and a friendlier environment.
- Minnesota law now requires school districts to adopt cellphone policies.
- Bans aim to combat rising student anxiety and improve focus.
Central High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, has adopted a stringent "off, off and away" policy, banning personal electronic devices from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. This initiative has demonstrably increased student socialization and engagement, transforming the lunchroom from a quiet, phone-dominated space into a lively hub of conversation.
This bell-to-bell ban aligns with a national trend, driven by evidence linking excessive cellphone use to negative impacts on student mental health, social skills, and academic performance. As of this past spring, Minnesota law requires school districts to implement cellphone policies, providing guidance but leaving specific decisions to individual schools and districts.
The policy aims to mitigate issues like anxiety and social isolation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While some students express mild frustration, the overall sentiment suggests a grudging acceptance of the policy's benefits for a more focused and connected school experience, with schools like Stillwater Area Public Schools reporting similar positive outcomes.
