The Humboldt County School District Board of Trustees convened on Aug. 13 to deliberate the potential creation or modification of a policy regarding cell phone use during the instructional day. The discussion focused on the impact of cell phone usage in schools and the need for a cohesive policy to address disruptions.
Assistant Superintendent Will Jensen highlighted the increasing concern over cell phone use, noting its significant impact across multiple schools including FFMS, WJHS, MCD, and LHS. While acknowledging some positive aspects of cell phone use, Will Jensen emphasized that the levels of disruption warrant serious consideration.
"The impact of cell phone usage has affected various schools, and while some benefits exist, the level of disruption makes this conversation necessary," Will Jensen said.
Following discussion last week, the board plans to engage with school administration to gather insights on how cell phones are currently managed and the effects on classroom environments. This includes reviewing existing measures and discussing potential next steps. The administration seeks guidance from the board on whether to implement a district-wide policy and how to balance flexibility for individual schools.
Superintendent Dr. David Jensen outlined the approach for a potential new policy. He noted that the current practice varies by school, with lower grades (such as WJHS) enforcing a "put it away in a backpack" rule, while some high school teachers utilize phones in controlled settings.
"We want the policy to be flexible and teacher-led, allowing for the use of phones when appropriate," Dr. Jensen explained, noting that the policy seems to work well at the junior high level.
Dr. Jensen also mentioned that every policy undergoes two readings at board meetings: the first for feedback and public comment, and the second for potential approval. Input from teachers, administrators, and parents will be crucial in shaping the policy, with the goal of creating a standard that supports effective teaching and minimizes disruptions, Dr. Jensen said. Discipline for policy violations will follow a progressive approach, starting with verbal warnings and potentially leading to detention.
The discussion comes in response to concerns about the negative effects of excessive cell phone use on students' academic performance and behavior. Studies have shown that high cell phone use can lead to decreased academic achievement, increased distractions, and higher rates of cheating. The advent of AI tools has also raised concerns about academic integrity, as students may use technology to bypass traditional learning processes.