I don't even know what the rules are for our current school or our middle school (next year we'll be there). I also don't know that I particularly care, because my kid doesn't have a phone yet, and I doubt he will get one any time soon unless there's a demonstrated need.
We live in an UMC area, and it seems like there's a split of parents who allow it and are just like that and parents who are like, nope. Pretty much everyone can afford it, so it's more of a general objection to getting a phone. Most kids do have tablets or a family device. We have ipads and phones (just work on wifi) and kindles but they all belong to ME, and I let my kids use them. Welcome to the benevolent dictatorship of eclaires, I hope you enjoy your stay!
Post by W.T.Faulkner on Nov 14, 2017 13:20:02 GMT -5
I work at a high school, and we struggle mightily with this.
On one hand, I'm glad that the majority of my students can access the internet now through data on their smartphones. Many of them don't have a computer or wifi at home, but most of them have cell phones, so at least they can read a news article I assign, etc. On the other, as pp said, it creates a headache with regard to discipline, not only because they can be a distraction from instruction, but also because of social media, which has led to pretty violent fights.
Then again, our current policy (banned from 8 am to 3 pm, with the exception of lunchtime) isn't preparing them to use their phones responsibly in the real world. They have to be able to moderate themselves in college and beyond, and that's something we feel they should be practicing now.
We're going to be revising our policy for years to come, I think.
I am shocked there are schools that encourage kids to bring their own devices and they use them during instructional time. Are there loaners for kids who don't have access? I just can't imagine the classroom dynamic.
Our school (although I think it's the PTA) provides tablets in 3rd grade. Every child gets one. I don't know what the phone policy is, but I have no plan to let either child have a phone until middle school.
Until we go 1:1 next year (kill me now), I have 3 spare ChromeBooks in my room. I've told my students that if I want them to access the internet, they'll be provided with a Chromebook via our ChromeCarts (we have many we can check out for the whole class). I don't want to see or hear your phone, and I don't care if it's your mom, Santa, or Jesus calling you - I will issue a referral. They are incredibly disruptive, and I can directly tie attempted phone use or ChromeBook misuse to poor classroom grades. I set an example by having my phone out of sight as well.
I teach in a K-8 school. Students are to leave their cell phones turned off, in their lockers, during school hours. Consequences for being caught with a phone are pretty strict, imo (but appropriate).
However, we frequently have the students go get their phones in order to film or record something. In that case, the teacher will send an email out and then also insist that the kids return phones to their lockers on their way to their next class.
We are also 1:1 though, so they have a device all day anyway. And since 98% of our kids use Macs, they have imessage availability. They don't even need their phones. Moreover, it's usually the parents who are messaging their kids all day long.
Post by Queen Mamadala on Nov 14, 2017 13:42:43 GMT -5
My 7th grader's school allows students to use their cell phones during lunchtime. She keeps it in her locker during class time. She mostly messages me and listens to music during lunch. They're allowed to use tablets when instructed during class and several of her classes have assigned chrome books that they use for a good portion of their classwork.
My students (8th grade) use cell phones in my classroom all the time for instructional purposes. I can't get on board with the "criminalize them" philosophy - I'd rather teach them to use the correctly, even if that means stepping in when they are using them wrong.
I do spend a fair amount of time correcting kids in other spaces (cafeteria, for example). I think it's valuable for them to sit and talk and listen during social times, so that's a place where cell phones aren't allowed. It's worth it to me, even though it's a pain. I'm helping to put adults into the world.
ETA: Kids are 1-1 on chromebooks provided by the school (loaners for the year). So everyone has access to technology. They use them to take photos of stuff, which they will email to each other, most often.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Can you imagine being at work and told to turn your phone off for 8hrs?
Yes, I live it. As a teacher, I can't (nor do I want to) be on my phone at all during classes except at lunch (basically the same policy that the kids have). It goes to silent and into my purse which is locked in my closet at 730 AM, I check texts and emails at lunch, then it goes away again until I'm done at 330.
Many workplaces have cell phone policies where they are not allowed. A co-worker was telling me her DH got fired last year because he had his phone out at a job site and they had a very strict policy against having phones at work.
Post by gibbinator on Nov 14, 2017 19:01:50 GMT -5
Dh's school lets students have phones in class but they have to stay off/silent and in backpacks. In highschool in particular there's a bit of leeway for teachers to do what they want in terms of discipline for not following the rules. Dh keeps phones until the parents come to get them back (or at least phone him to chat about it). I'm not sure how they handle it for younger kids. The whole school has access to a variety of computer labs that are basically squeezed in between every other classroom for when students need technology.
A friend of mine who's kid just started grade primary is annoyed with her school because they super encourage educational app use at home and at school. My friend does not let her kids use her phone/tablet/computer, she's very much a play outdoors latchkey kids person. So she feels guilty about being a bad mom because her kids are going to fall behind in math not playing these recommended games, but she also strongly doesn't agree with that much screen time. Rock and a hard place. I'm glad my kids' school doesn't seem to be pushing apps on 5 year olds.
I’ve seen things on Pinterest where teachers zip tie a pencil bag to the side of each desk and students have to place their phones inside it until they’re allowed to pull it out for a project or to leave.
I saw this too and thought it was so clever! Until a mom told me the kids just stick a "spare" phone in the slot and keep their real phone with them. (bc you know they will DIE without it) 😧
The bullying on Snapchat and social media is off the chain.
Parents won’t let us take it away because what if they need to text the kid in class (which happens all the damn time from things a trivial as I brought your lunch to something important like you have to pick up your sibling).
Seriously, it’s an epidemic. I don’t know the answer. No one seems to.
Can you imagine being at work and told to turn your phone off for 8hrs?
Yes, I live it. As a teacher, I can't (nor do I want to) be on my phone at all during classes except at lunch (basically the same policy that the kids have). It goes to silent and into my purse which is locked in my closet at 730 AM, I check texts and emails at lunch, then it goes away again until I'm done at 330.
Many workplaces have cell phone policies where they are not allowed. A co-worker was telling me her DH got fired last year because he had his phone out at a job site and they had a very strict policy against having phones at work.
I actually use my phone a lot in my room for google classroom, taking attendance, Plickers, controlling my MacBook (I use it as a mouse), etc.
And we are adults. We know when it’s appropriate and when it’s not. And if we don’t, we are reprimanded or should be anyway.
If my students were able to only use their phones in the appropriate manner, then I’d be ok. But they can’t and don’t.
I teach 8th grade, and our school’s policy is off and in the locker. Most of our kids don’t use locks, so I don’t push the issue when they have them on their person. I do allow some use in class for very specific instructional use (like Kahoot), but otherwise they should be away.
Issues we’ve had in our building are around Snapchat and Instagram. The kids are snapping each other from the bathrooms (they aren’t taking mirror selfies...) or posting pics of classroom on Instagram (teachers whose classroom management leaves much to be desired).
I do believe it’s important to teach them appropriate use. When students find out they made the play or a sports team or that practice is cancelled, I always pause and encourage kids to text parents if they need to. It’s better than having them sneak it or disrupt their education to go to the office. I work in a job where I can’t use my cell, but when my daycare calls, I pick it up. It’s rare, but I think it’s important to model appropriate cell phone use situations for them, too.
My students (8th grade) use cell phones in my classroom all the time for instructional purposes. I can't get on board with the "criminalize them" philosophy - I'd rather teach them to use the correctly, even if that means stepping in when they are using them wrong.
this seems to be the opposite of almost everybody else....
It really is a complex problem, with kids of various ages/needs/self-development, you need a cohesive enforceable policy between teachers, classrooms, and the admin that's both realistic & allows students to learn appropriate use and self-regulation.
How are options like putting some type of timer on the kids phone that only allows them to use it for 2 hours a day & internet access for 1 hour per day? It would help them (hopefully) to save it for important stuff & limit their usage and make them think about their usage instead of mindlessly picking it up anytime they have a spare minute. Does the Disney circle app do this? or are there apps on each device?
I gave up the power struggle and started trying to teach them how to use it responsibly and within reason. It's not worth the referrals, because the parents won't support any consequence. So basically, I've told them that when I'm teaching, they need to be put away. When it's independent work time, they can choose how they want to proceed. I'm a big believer in natural consequence and reward...if a kid is on their phone for the 30 minutes of work time and doesn't do the assignment, they fail. It doesn't take them long to figure out.
My middle school kid is supposed to keep hers off all day in class, but they don't. I think we are doing teenagers a huge disservice by making it all or nothing with phones.
My students (8th grade) use cell phones in my classroom all the time for instructional purposes. I can't get on board with the "criminalize them" philosophy - I'd rather teach them to use the correctly, even if that means stepping in when they are using them wrong.
this seems to be the opposite of almost everybody else....
It really is a complex problem, with kids of various ages/needs/self-development, you need a cohesive enforceable policy between teachers, classrooms, and the admin that's both realistic & allows students to learn appropriate use and self-regulation.
How are options like putting some type of timer on the kids phone that only allows them to use it for 2 hours a day & internet access for 1 hour per day? It would help them (hopefully) to save it for important stuff & limit their usage and make them think about their usage instead of mindlessly picking it up anytime they have a spare minute. Does the Disney circle app do this? or are there apps on each device?
(I may or may not need something like this myself
Shrug. It works for us. Kids still make mistakes sometimes, but much less often than they did when they were hiding them. If it stops being a good policy, I'm sure we'll revisit it.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Yes, I live it. As a teacher, I can't (nor do I want to) be on my phone at all during classes except at lunch (basically the same policy that the kids have). It goes to silent and into my purse which is locked in my closet at 730 AM, I check texts and emails at lunch, then it goes away again until I'm done at 330.
Many workplaces have cell phone policies where they are not allowed. A co-worker was telling me her DH got fired last year because he had his phone out at a job site and they had a very strict policy against having phones at work.
I actually use my phone a lot in my room for google classroom, taking attendance, Plickers, controlling my MacBook (I use it as a mouse), etc.
And we are adults. We know when it’s appropriate and when it’s not. And if we don’t, we are reprimanded or should be anyway.
If my students were able to only use their phones in the appropriate manner, then I’d be ok. But they can’t and don’t.
I agree, but it's not uncommon for workplaces to have policies against using phones, even for adults, so I don't think it's out of line to ask that of students.
I actually use my phone a lot in my room for google classroom, taking attendance, Plickers, controlling my MacBook (I use it as a mouse), etc.
And we are adults. We know when it’s appropriate and when it’s not. And if we don’t, we are reprimanded or should be anyway.
If my students were able to only use their phones in the appropriate manner, then I’d be ok. But they can’t and don’t.
I agree, but it's not uncommon for workplaces to have policies against using phones, even for adults, so I don't think it's out of line to ask that of students.
Oh no, I’m agreeing with you. I’m just saying that the only business I use my cellphone for is to enhance my classroom, no texting, no surfing the web, no listening to music, no phone calls.
I agree, but it's not uncommon for workplaces to have policies against using phones, even for adults, so I don't think it's out of line to ask that of students.
Oh no, I’m agreeing with you. I’m just saying that the only business I use my cellphone for is to enhance my classroom, no texting, no surfing the web, no listening to music, no phone calls.
Yeah there are definitely good uses for phones/tech for teachers. Since we all have laptops, our new admin is really strict about teachers never having phones out/visible/in use unless it's a total emergency, so I am very careful to always lock mine away. I can definitely think of times it would be handier and more convenient to access something for class on my iPhone, though, instead of my laptop!
My students (8th grade) use cell phones in my classroom all the time for instructional purposes. I can't get on board with the "criminalize them" philosophy - I'd rather teach them to use the correctly, even if that means stepping in when they are using them wrong.
this seems to be the opposite of almost everybody else....
It really is a complex problem, with kids of various ages/needs/self-development, you need a cohesive enforceable policy between teachers, classrooms, and the admin that's both realistic & allows students to learn appropriate use and self-regulation.
How are options like putting some type of timer on the kids phone that only allows them to use it for 2 hours a day & internet access for 1 hour per day? It would help them (hopefully) to save it for important stuff & limit their usage and make them think about their usage instead of mindlessly picking it up anytime they have a spare minute. Does the Disney circle app do this? or are there apps on each device?
(I may or may not need something like this myself
What I really need is a way to block texting, Snapchat, FB, etc while in school, sort of like the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature on the new iOS update, except it cannot be disabled until they leave the classroom. This way I can actually use them in the classroom instead of having to police it all day long.
I know I keep coming back to this, but SnapChat is really the crux of all our cyber bullying issues right now. It’s so freakin’ bad. Girls in compromising positions, fights, teachers, all without permission and almost all during the school day when the teacher isn’t watching or working with others.
this seems to be the opposite of almost everybody else....
It really is a complex problem, with kids of various ages/needs/self-development, you need a cohesive enforceable policy between teachers, classrooms, and the admin that's both realistic & allows students to learn appropriate use and self-regulation.
How are options like putting some type of timer on the kids phone that only allows them to use it for 2 hours a day & internet access for 1 hour per day? It would help them (hopefully) to save it for important stuff & limit their usage and make them think about their usage instead of mindlessly picking it up anytime they have a spare minute. Does the Disney circle app do this? or are there apps on each device?
(I may or may not need something like this myself
What I really need is a way to block texting, Snapchat, FB, etc while in school, sort of like the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature on the new iOS update, except it cannot be disabled until they leave the classroom. This way I can actually use them in the classroom instead of having to police it all day long.
I know I keep coming back to this, but SnapChat is really the crux of all our cyber bullying issues right now. It’s so freakin’ bad. Girls in compromising positions, fights, teachers, all without permission and almost all during the school day when the teacher isn’t watching or working with others.
This would be awesome. I would love for my students to be using their phones for Google Docs, Quizlet, etc, but the temptation is there for them to use the cell inappropriately. I worry about liability, too.
this seems to be the opposite of almost everybody else....
It really is a complex problem, with kids of various ages/needs/self-development, you need a cohesive enforceable policy between teachers, classrooms, and the admin that's both realistic & allows students to learn appropriate use and self-regulation.
How are options like putting some type of timer on the kids phone that only allows them to use it for 2 hours a day & internet access for 1 hour per day? It would help them (hopefully) to save it for important stuff & limit their usage and make them think about their usage instead of mindlessly picking it up anytime they have a spare minute. Does the Disney circle app do this? or are there apps on each device?
(I may or may not need something like this myself
What I really need is a way to block texting, Snapchat, FB, etc while in school, sort of like the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature on the new iOS update, except it cannot be disabled until they leave the classroom. This way I can actually use them in the classroom instead of having to police it all day long.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Some parents I know use an app to turn off the cell service and manage it from their phones. Then they can only use school wifi which blocks most stuff that isn't school related (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc). I think that would still allow iMessage though. Maybe. I haven't asked much about it since we don't have a phone for our kids.