For years, psychologists and other mental health experts have been voicing concern about always being connected online, and how social media can have a negative impact on the mental health of young people.
Luxemburg-Casco Middle School is looking to help make a difference, and to reign in their student’s focus through a program they are calling “Away for the Day”.
The roughly 300 middle-school students are required to leave all of their personal technology in their lockers, including cell phones, smart watches, air pods and any other technology not assigned by the school.
School Principal Todd Chandler says research has shown this tactic results in “increases in academic performance, increases in face-to-face communication, a reduction in social issues and decreases in unkind acts and bullying.”
Parents and guardians who need to contact their student during the school day can do so the old-fashioned way, through the school’s main office.
Principal Todd Chandler
Students are allowed to use their personal technology before and after the school day, along with checking messages from home prior to going to lunch.
The new policy initiative will be evaluated throughout the current school year. Whether it continues in future school years – and if other district school buildings choose to adopt the program – will be determined by district leadership based on its deemed success or failure.
