The expectation at Dawson County Middle School is that electronic devices other than school issued iPads, including cell phones, are powered OFF and out of sight during the instructional day.
Why is this the case? When students pick up their phones, they are immediately bombarded with notifications and noise disrupting the learning process. Middle school students simply do not have the willpower to ignore these constant interruptions. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, discusses in her book, The Willpower Instinct, that when we ask students to hold onto their phones during class, we are asking them to demonstrate considerable willpower to reject their habits to check their notifications, respond to buzzes and communicate with friends and family. Asking them to do that time and time again during the school day is causing willpower fatigue and students have less energy to devote to learning.
Additionally, there is a body of research that digs into this habit of constantly being “connected.” Nearly any study you look at analyzing the relationship between phone use, notifications, social media and mental health, is overwhelmingly negative for students of this age group. Students being constantly on their phone is simply not healthy and does not allow them to fully engage in the learning. When students are not on their phones, they have time to listen, learn, and thrive without the distraction of a phone.
We will need your help in making this policy successful. Please do not tell your student that you will text them during the day; if you need to get a message to your student, call the front office and we will be happy to assist you. Transportation arrangements should be made before the student arrives to school and should only change in an emergency situation.
Our goal at DCMS is to ensure that every child has access to a quality learning experience, free from the constant distraction of a phone. We have technology for students to use at school. Our teachers work very hard to plan engaging, fun, and hands-on activities. We appreciate your ongoing support to ensure that our students are present, active, and involved in their learning!
