Lamont Suggests Stricter Policies For Using Cell Phones In CT Schools

CONNECTICUT — The State of Connecticut has provided new guidance to local school districts recommending stricter policies regarding the use of personal electronics in the classroom.

The document "Personal Technology Use in Connecticut Schools: Impact of Social Media and the Use of Cell Phones on Student Learning and Mental Health" was created at the direction of Gov. Lamont by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker presented a draft of the guidance to the Connecticut State Board of Education, who approved it Wednesday by a unanimous vote.

The document provides school districts with best practices for drafting and implementing policies to promote a "focused learning environment" that restricts access to smartphones, other similar personal technology devices, and social media during the school day.

Lamont stressed that this guidance is intended to provide local school districts with a model framework, and it is up to each district to enact their own policies on this issue.

"It is crucial that we adopt stronger policies to address this issue head-on. The state’s guidance provides a clear framework, but it is up to each school district to shape their own policies that meet the needs of their students and communities," Lamont said.

The guidance includes an emphasis on creating engaging spaces for learning to mitigate the negative impact that smartphones have on student learning, and considerations for specific policies and practices in elementary, middle, and high school based on developmental readiness and maturity.

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Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association, said her organization was looking forward to "working with our local districts to create strong, clear, and enforceable policies that minimize the use of cell phones and meet the needs of educators, students, and parents."