Prior to the start of this school year, Howard L. Goff Middle School began enforcing the district’s existing cell phone policy which states that cell phones and other personal electronic devices (such as smart watches) are not permitted during the instructional school day.
A letter from Goff Interim Principal James McHugh to parents/guardians in August cited distractions in class, decreased social interaction, bullying and mental health issues as reasons to prohibit cell phones during the school day.
That decision was also informed by a U.S. Surgeon General advisory about youth mental health issues caused by cell phones and social media. The advisory recommended creating “tech-free zones that better foster in-person relationships.”
“Given how much time students spend in our care, we believe schools have a role to play as well,” Mr. McHugh wrote in his August 21 letter to parents. “By limiting cell phone use at school, we can eliminate some of the concerning behavior we have observed at Goff and put the focus back where it should be – learning and personal growth.”
At the public Board of Education meeting on Wednesday evening, Mr. McHugh and the Goff assistant principals provided an update regarding the policy by sharing discipline statistics and survey feedback from school staff, parents and students.
Discipline Statistics
From the first day of school through January 19, 63 students (or 6.4% of all students) violated the Cell Phone Policy, meaning 93.6% of all students have followed the Cell Phone Policy.
Violations are being met with a progressive scale of discipline, beginning with a verbal reminder.
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- First Offense: The student will be reminded of the building’s cell phone policy and instructed to go put their cell phone and/or smart watch in their locker.
- Second Offense: The cell phone and/or smart watch will be taken away and given to the house office. The student will be allowed to get their device(s) at the end of the academic day (2:40 p.m.). The student’s parents will be called and informed regarding the violation of the cell phone policy.
- Third Offense: The cell phone and/or smart watch will be taken away and given to the house office. The student’s parents will be called and informed regarding the violation of the cell phone policy. The student’s parent(s) will be required to come to school to pick up their child’s cell phone and the student will serve an after school detention.
- If the student continues to break the cell phone policy a suspension hearing will be held with the student’s parents and the principal.
Survey Feedback
Goff surveyed staff, parents and students in the fall to obtain feedback about the policy. That feedback was largely positive, indicating support for the policy from both staff and parents.
Importantly, 98% of staff saw a decrease in cell phone use during the school day. They also noticed students were less distracted in class, and they were socializing more with each other and staff.
“I think it’s had a tremendous impact on our building,” Mr. McHugh said during the school board presentation.
Mr. McHugh noted that students are allowed to use their cell phones on the bus before the school day begins and again after the 9th period bell. This allows students to communicate with parents about after school activities or transportation, if needed. And parents have been reminded that they can call the school at any time to relay a message to their children.
As the school year has progressed, students have adapted to the new policy and a primary benefit includes a renewed focus on academics.
“Thirty percent of families say that their students are doing better academically. I think if there’s anything we can change to make 30 percent of our students do better, that’s a win,” said Assistant Principal Mike Neumann. “Twenty-three percent of parents agree that they’re (children are) less anxious. That’s a win.”
The policy has also led to fewer conflicts between students during the school day.
“There were significant social media issues my first four years at Goff,” said Assistant Principal Sarah Hoffman. “This (policy) has drastically reduced those issues and has really improved the climate in our building.”
“The kids are getting it,” she continued.
Nearly all parent comments on the survey supported the policy and keeping cell phones out of classrooms, but many expressed fears about not being able to contact children in the event of an emergency.
Mr. McHugh said at the board meeting on Wednesday that the school will remind parents and guardians of communication procedures during emergencies. For example, in the event of an emergency at school, staff and students are focused on following established safety procedures and the school district, not students, will communicate with parents/guardians. The school district has accurate information during any emergency, works closely with law enforcement and has a system for communicating information to parents and guardians quickly.
Given the positive results so far this school year, and with the expectation that benefits will only improve further, the Goff Cell Phone Policy will continue.
“Obviously, our staff is in support of (the policy), too, because they love the kids, they care about the kids,” said Assistant Principal Riley O’Malley. “Despite what the kids may feel about whether or not they should have their cell phone, we feel strongly that this is best for their education.”
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