Cohasset High School’s phone policy, which restricts student phone use during the school day, has been in place for several weeks, and early reports suggest it has had a positive impact on student engagement and social interaction.
During a recent school committee meeting, student representative Amanda Fox provided an update on the policy’s effects from a student perspective. She noted that while there are mixed opinions about the policy, it has been effective in increasing classroom focus.
“One new change that has been put into place recently at the high school is the new phone ban,” Fox said. “I think overall it’s been pretty well enforced so far. I’ve noticed definitely more kids paying attention in class and just more engaged.”
Fox also noted that some students have raised concerns about the policy’s application during non-class times, particularly lunch.
“I think at lunch, some kids have voiced opinion that they think it should be allowed, but there's very mixed opinions I’ve been hearing,” Fox said. “Me personally, I think I’ve seen the most difference in class with all the kids. So yeah, I think it’s going pretty well so far.”
School officials echoed Fox’s observations, stating that the policy has led to an increase in face-to-face interactions among students.
Principal Brian Scott reported that students have generally been compliant with the new rule and that the cafeteria, in particular, has become noticeably livelier.
“It’s louder. It is just more vibrant,” Scott said.
He added that while some students have questioned whether phones should be allowed during break and lunch periods, overall resistance to the policy has been minimal.
“I've only had one question from a parent and I've had one question from a student, same family,” Scott said. “They were pretty straightforward questions, ‘What do I do if...?’ or ‘What does my child do if...?’”
Scott attributed much of the policy’s success to students’ understanding of its purpose.
“Whenever you run into student controversy, they need to know why. That’s a rule,” Scott said. “Why can't we have coffee in class? Why can't we wear hats in the building? Whatever the rule is, make it make sense to me.”
The school committee originally approved the phone policy on a trial basis, with the goal of evaluating its effectiveness before making a long-term decision. Scott said he appreciates that the committee allowed for an extended evaluation period, rather than ending the trial after only a few weeks.
“I’m pleased that the committee wanted to do it a little bit longer,” Scott said. “We would’ve ended it by now in my original plan. They want to continue it to the end of the quarter and that hasn’t been an issue at all.”
As the trial period continues, school officials will continue to gather student feedback and monitor whether the policy should be adjusted in the future.
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