Westport Schools Superintendent Promotes 'Healthy Use Of Technology'

WESTPORT, CT — Westport public school students are being asked to limit their use of personal tech devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, during school hours as part of an initiative to promote "Healthy Use of Technology," according to Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice.

Under the policy, which was first implemented last year, students from the three levels, elementary, middle and high school, will be asked to restrict when they use, or even if they should bring to school, such devices.

"Elementary students are asked to refrain from bringing personal technology/cell devices (i.e. smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) to school, while middle school students will be asked to keep their personal cell devices out of use and off their person once the school day begins," Scarice wrote in a message last week to parents. "High school students will be expected to do the same during individual class periods."

With school starting Tuesday in Westport, Scarice said that principals will brief students on the policy.

"The district continues with our full commitment to fostering community in our schools, providing a welcoming and active learning environment, and emphasizing the humanity of our work," Scarice said. "With this focus, the district will continue to encourage and implement a healthier use of technology. As we know, technology has become a natural part of our learning environments. However, the distractions of personal devices (i.e smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) can compromise the instructional setting, and limit the growth of interpersonal relationships in our schools."

The policy was "well received across the school community" last year, according to Scarice, and included information on the best way parents can contact their child during school hours, as individual schools have different parameters.

"We will do our best to limit unnecessary technology use, and we ask for your continued support in this approach," Scarice said. "I can assure you that it will not be perfect, but it will be better for our children. Your support will be consequential."