Last August I shared with the community the need to study and discuss the impact the use of cellphones and social media was having on our young people especially as it relates to school. Since then the Needham Public Schools School Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC) dedicated its efforts to understanding the impact of cell phones and social media on our students. Through a comprehensive process of review, data analysis, expert consultation, and research into best practices—including visiting phone-free schools—we explored the effects of phone use on academics, well-being, and safety, while also evaluating digital literacy instruction.
Last month, SWAC provided an important update to the School Committee which detailed initial findings and recommendations regarding cell phone and social media policies. The committee is recommending three broad areas for the school community to consider and implement:
Student Phone Use: This involves guidelines and rules around the use of cellphones in school. We have proposed language for the student handbooks that limits the use of cellphones in school to avoid learning distractions and the overall disruption of the instructional environment.
Digital Literacy & Citizenship This includes the critical importance of equipping our students with robust digital literacy and citizenship skills. The Media & Digital Learning Department is actively reshaping and reconsidering how we teach these essential skills across all grade levels. We believe that fostering responsible digital habits requires a cohesive and developmentally appropriate approach, both within and beyond the classroom. We want students to be responsible and safe consumers of digital media in ways that strengthen their learning and personal and social relationships.
Community Norms: We believe working with parents, families, and community members to help young people understand their responsibilities around the use of social media and to delay the introduction of cellphones before middle school should be an important component of a comprehensive plan around phones and social media. I met with PTC Presidents recently to discuss cell phones and social media, and we got excited about parent and community initiatives like Wait until 8th, an initiative to encourage parents to wait before purchasing a phone for children until they reach 8th grade.
As I wrote last August to the community our goal must be to prioritize student well-being, responsibility, and academic success. In partnership with staff, students, and parents, we can ensure a learning environment that fosters focus, well-being, and responsible digital citizenship for all our students. The next step involves engaging the entire community in thoughtful discussions around these recommendations, and I encourage you to look out for opportunities to share your perspectives and contribute to shaping a positive and healthy digital landscape for our young people.