With the French government recently banning cell phones during school for kids 15 and younger, and a recent article in the Portland Press Herald detailing some of the issues local schools face with cell phones, administration in Gorham was asked if it’s a problem in our schools.
“We look at that question in a different way,” says GHS Principal Brian Jandreau. “Although I grapple with mounting research on their impact on quality of life and social relationships, we understand the importance of mobile devices in our society and the potential they have to further our educational goals.”
So, despite a policy that states mobile phones are “expected to be turned off and stored away from 7:50 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. except for lunch,” GHS teachers may set their own policies for use in the classroom.
Some teachers have strict rules prohibiting use. Others have “cell phone hotels” where students are either required or encouraged to leave phones during class. Some even give extra credit when they do. Other teachers let students use the cell phones’ calculator functions, music, or cameras for class assignments. Jandreau pointed out that students have many devices, including laptops, with internet access so “we believe it is incumbent on us to help them learn to use technology in productive and healthy ways.”
Photos courtesy of Brian JandreauGHS teacher Donna Walsh requires students to put their phones in a “cell phone hotel” when entering her classroom. She uses the cell phone hotel to take attendance, so students need to have their devices in the hotel to be counted as present.
When asked about cell phone use, a GHS student, who chose to remain anonymous, said she was not aware of the policy printed in the handbook. Because teachers set their own rules, however, it is always clear what is expected. Students do use their phones in halls and study halls as well as at lunch, she said.
As some students use their laptops to shop, play games, or listen to music, she thinks cell phones are just another device that students use for many purposes. She and her working parents believe it is important for her to have a phone so they can connect for pick-ups and appointments.
Students who abuse the policy or use phones to “disrupt the peace and usefulness of the school” and refuse to give up a cell phone are disciplined. For first infractions, phones are confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Subsequent offenses result in detention or suspension. GHS Assistant Principal Ryan Watts said there have been only six instances this school year and most of those were related to other problems.
Gorham Middle School has a policy similar to that at GHS. Students are not to use phones during school hours “unless they have permission from a staff member.” Principal Robert Riley reports that students, to date, have complied with this and there have been no disciplinary referrals this school year.
Students at the elementary level are expected to keep their cell phones off and stowed away in their backpacks during school hours, including lunch and recess.