Darien Public Schools Personal Mobile Device Guidelines For 2024-2025: What To Know

DARIEN, CT — School is set to begin in Darien on Aug. 28, and with the new year are new personal mobile device guidelines for grades PK-8.

"Our administration and faculty agree with the growing consensus supported by research that underscores the substantial impact of personal mobile devices (namely cellphones and smartwatches), which utilize applications that significantly distract students from learning and social connection that are fundamental to their education," Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley said in a letter to families and staff earlier this month. "Moreover, these devices have been shown to significantly influence the social, emotional, and mental health/wellness of our youth."

As a result, a PK-8 District Personal Mobile Device Plan was developed with guidelines "to cultivate a safe and focused learning atmosphere, free from distractions."

The school district's new guidelines pertain to all devices, such as cellphones, earpods and smartwatches.

According to the guidelines, the use of personal mobile devices by students in grades PK-8 is prohibited.

At the elementary level, if families decide to allow their child to carry a personal mobile device for an identified purpose, the device must remain powered off and stored in a backpack throughout the duration of the school day, even while riding the bus, Addley said.

At Middlesex Middle School, students who have personal mobile devices must turn them off and store them in a locker during the day.

Devices that are not powered off, silenced and stored away will be confiscated, and parents will be required to pick up confiscated devices at the end of the day.

Students using a device for a clearly defined medical purpose must have this accounted for within a student medical accommodation plan, which will require notification from a health care provider, the school district said. Use of that device must be exclusively for that described medical purpose.

More information on the new guidelines for elementary and middle school students, as well as FAQs, can be found on the Darien Public Schools website.

At Darien High School, Addley said the district continues to evaluate the district's device policy and plans to issue an update in the coming months.

Currently, DHS students are required to have an approved device for use in classes.

The school district will discuss the new guidelines and practices with students during the first three days of school from Aug. 28-30, according to Addley, and full implementation will begin on Sept. 3

The new guidelines will also be talked about with parents at PTO meetings and open houses, and in early October, parents and staff will be surveyed on the plan's implementation. Addley also said a community-wide parent technology workshop will be available this fall.

"As with all school policies, these guidelines require the active support of our parents," Addley said, urging parents to have conversations with their child about responsible cellphone and smartwatch use.

"We encourage you to monitor and model your child's cellphone use," Addley added. "The vast benefits of technology are experienced when users are aware, informed, and responsible. I am grateful to the administration and faculty for their thoughtful policy review regarding personal mobile devices."

The topic of cellphone usage in schools has been a hot topic in Connecticut and across the country.

On Wednesday, the CT Department of Education released a statement urging local school districts to consider implementing recommendations contained in a position statement and policy guidance document regarding the use of personal technology, such as smartphones and similar devices, in K-12 public schools that was adopted by the CT Board of Education.

"All too often, our young people find themselves too distracted by their smartphones and disconnected from the reality of what is happening around them, including while in their classrooms, and it’s having negative impacts on their learning and mental well-being," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a news release.

"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 added.