Technology has undoubtedly changed the landscape of parenting and education, creating both opportunities and challenges. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General cited research about the negative mental health impacts from social media and called for schools to become cell-phone-free zones.

As educators, we strive to impact the lives of our students in positive ways. Providing an environment where students can learn the academic, social and emotional skills needed to become happy, healthy and thriving adults is at the core of our mission.

Many of our teachers have commented that the presence of cell phones in classrooms has impaired their ability to provide a positive, inclusive and learning-focused environment where belonging and community are prioritized. We’ve also heard from some parents who are concerned about the impacts of students using personal devices such as cell phones, earbuds and smartwatches at school, while other parents prefer their children to have access to cell phones throughout the school day.

In August, all BSD middle schools and high schools implemented stop-gap measures to address student cell phone use during the school day, while the district looks to develop a consistent districtwide approach for each school level that supports student learning and well-being.

In October, stakeholders — including students, parents/guardians and staff — were asked to complete surveys about cell phone use in schools. The results can be found in the lower righthand corner of this page. In the coming months, there’ll be additional opportunities for engagement at your school. Look for information to be shared by your school principal.

Once feedback is gathered and reviewed, an internal team will draft policy options to present to Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Balderas for consideration. Any policy changes would be implemented next school year.