Scituate High School Bans Cell Phones in the Classroom

Students required to place devices in designated pockets during instructional time

SCITUATE, MA - May 6 - Scituate High School is implementing a strict no cell phone policy in classrooms starting next school year. The new policy requires students to place their phones in designated pockets during instruction, and the administration will handle any infractions.

Principal Arranger announced the change at the Scituate School Committee meeting on May 6. "Our big one is the cell phone policy, which on page 66, we're changing the wording and going to a no cell phone use in classrooms," Arranger said. "We're gonna have pockets for all staff and then students are gonna be asked to put their phones in the pockets while instruction's going on."

When the class is over, students can retrieve their phones and head to their next class. The policy also prohibits students from taking their phones to the bathroom during class time.

Arranger noted that 77% of Massachusetts schools are now implementing no cell phone policies in classrooms. Scituate High School's incoming freshmen will already be familiar with the policy, as Gates Middle School currently enforces it for ninth graders.

The high school administration will notify families about the new policy and plans to be strict with enforcement. However, Arranger emphasized that teachers will not be responsible for confiscating phones or arguing with students. "If a student has their phone out, the first time they have it out, they're simply gonna be asked to put it away," he explained. "If they refuse to put it away, then it's gonna go to us."

The administration has established a progressive discipline policy for cell phone infractions, with consequences escalating for repeat offenses. Arranger expressed confidence in the student body, stating, "We've got great kids. I don't foresee a lot of hassles going on. Most of the kids, you have to do something. They're really respectful kids."

Some teachers at Scituate High School have already implemented cell phone policies in their classrooms, with approximately 20% currently doing so. These teachers serve as good models for the school-wide implementation.

When asked about the use of cell phones for educational purposes, such as looking up information, Arranger clarified that students have school-issued Chromebooks for those tasks. The new policy aims to minimize distractions and improve the learning environment.

The school committee responded positively to the new policy, with one member commenting, "Visibility is a huge thing. Yeah, being in hallways and checking bathrooms is probably the best way to see that. And if your best kids are doing anything, they know you're popping in and out."

As Scituate High School prepares for the upcoming school year, the administration is committed to working with students, staff, and families to ensure a smooth transition to the new cell phone policy. By creating a learning environment with fewer distractions, the school aims to foster academic success and promote responsible technology use among its students.