BELGRADE, Mont. — The Belgrade School District is updating its cell phone policy, following feedback from staff and parents.
The school board approved the new rules on Tuesday, limiting cell phone use during the school day.
Changes include prohibiting phones during instructional time and no “earbuds” during school hours.
The school board also considered no phones during passing periods, but the language ended up being removed.
“I would really rather teachers be working on extending their lesson plans and creating extra activities then writing up kids who are in the hallway with their phones,” said Dede Semerad, Belgrade School District superintendent.
The push for a stricter cell phone policy came from staff and the community.
“I’ve had students say, ‘Try to take my phone and see what happens.’ Our principal tells them to put their phone away that were in the office in trouble. They refused. She told them to hand them over to her and ultimately, they refused,” said Roxy Smith, Belgrade High School attendance and front desk secretary.
“Our job as adults is to help nurture these kids and teach them what they need to know. And what we’re constantly fighting is an alternate source that’s getting their attention, how are supposed to do that? It is extremely difficult,” Anna Holme, substitute teacher.
The district also shared studies showing the impact of devices in schools.
Common Sense Media said teachers lose about 13 minutes per class dealing with phone distractions.
And the Pew Research Center found 97% of teens who own a smartphone admit it affects their sleep, focus, and well-being.
Semerad said phone issues are rare in elementary and middle school, but common in high school.
“What we want to do is create a really positive learning environment for our students. And one of the ways to do that is to have them have a healthy relationship with their phones,” said Semerad.
The revised policy goes into effect this upcoming school year.
