Del Mar Academy Student Cell Phone Policy
The Purpose
Del Mar Academy wants to help and promote appropriate digital citizenship. Our school staff has overwhemingly agreed that a consistent school-wide policy to ban cell phone use during class will help students stay more present and engaged in their learning. The intent is to support them in their academic success, removing major temptation and distraction, and promoting face to face social interaction and connection. When a phone dings or buzzes, the minds of even the best of students wander away. Studies tell us that it can take the brain up to 10 minutes to reengage after responding to cell-phone distraction. Phones are not merely a distraction for their owners in the classroom, but cell phones can also be a source of distraction for teachers and classmates alike.
The Policy
Cellphones, smartwatches, or other devices with the ability to call, access apps, or text can be brought to school. In grades 3-8, we will provide a secure, cell phone locker in every homeroom. It is the expectation that students remove their devices from their person, put them on silent and then put them in the locker from morning bell to the afternoon bell. In grades preschool-2nd, cell phones are not as common and we will ask students to put the device on silent and remain in their backpack from morning bell to the afternoon bell.
What About An Emergency Situation?
There is some fear that parents will not be able to reach their children during an emergency, like a school shooting. Experts have shared that cellphone communication during such an emergency can actually increase safety risks. Students should be listening to the adults in the school who are giving life-saving instructions, working to keep them safe. Phones can distract from that: You also don't want that phone noise attracting attention. A central line of communication between school staff and emergency personnel is critical and additional communication from student cell phones can be a barrier.
Can My Child Contact Their Parent/Guardian at School?
Yes! There are landline phones in every classroom and in the office. If your child needs you, school staff will help your child. Additionally, every adult has a cell phone for emergency purposes that can be used to contact you or emergency personnel.
What if My Child Leaves School Early?
Your child should go to their homeroom, ask the teacher to unlock the cell phone locker and retrieve their cell phone.
Progressive Discipline for Phone Use
Any phone in view and on-site will be confiscated, logged and securely held until the end of the school day, at which point it can be collected by the student. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned in line with our existing behavior policy.
Students who forget are warned the first time. The second time we collect the phone, the student has to pick-up from the main office at the end of the day and a parent is notified. The third offense, the parent has to pick it up and the phone is not to return to school for the remainder of the quarter.
Resources to Explore