(Hartford, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut State Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell Tucker are urging Connecticut’s local school districts to consider implementing the recommendations contained in a position statement and policy guidance document adopted today by the Connecticut State Board of Education regarding the use of personal technology, such as smartphones and similar devices, in K-12 public schools.
Prepared by the Connecticut Department of Education at the direction of Governor Lamont, the document, titled “Personal Technology Use in Connecticut Schools: The Impact of Social Media and Cell Phone Use on Student Learning and Mental Health,” provides guidance to school districts in drafting and implementing policies to promote a focused learning environment that limits access to smartphones, other similar personal technology devices, and social media during the school day.
Commissioner Russell Tucker presented the draft guidelines to the Connecticut State Board of Education, which unanimously approved them today.
Governor Lamont said stronger policies on the issue are needed because the increased use of smartphones in schools is causing students to lose focus and negatively impacting their education and mental health. The Governor emphasized that the guidance is intended to provide a model framework for local school districts, and that it is up to each district to enact their own policies on the issue.
“Too often, young people are distracted by their smartphones, including when they're in the classroom, and disconnected from the reality of what's happening around them, which is having a negative impact on their learning and mental health,” said Governor Lamont. “It's critical that we adopt stronger policies to address this issue head-on. While the state guidelines provide a clear framework, it is up to each school district to develop their own policies that meet the needs of their students and communities. I thank Chairman Russell Tucker and his staff, and the members of the Connecticut State Board of Education, for their hard work in researching and developing these important guidelines.”
“The State Board of Education's action underscores our department's commitment to ensuring classroom environments conducive to learning,” said Chairman Russell Tucker. “By eliminating the distractions of smartphone use during class and promoting a healthy balance between positive technology use, we will maximize student-to-student and student-to-teacher interactions, foster social skills in interpersonal communication, and create schools and classrooms that positively impact academic growth and success while supporting students' mental health.”
The guidance includes a focus on creating engaging spaces for learning to mitigate the negative impacts of smartphones on student learning, as well as specific policy and practice considerations for elementary, middle, and high schools based on developmental readiness and maturity.
Specific recommendations include appropriate roles and responsibilities for:
Local and regional school boards and administrators in developing policy; principals and educators in ensuring consistent policy implementation and support for strengthening students’ interpersonal skills; families and students in supporting and adhering to school district policies and helping students maintain a healthy balance with technology; institutions of higher education and the Connecticut Department of Education in preparing and supporting educators, principals, administrators, and local and regional school boards.
“The guidelines adopted by the Connecticut State Board of Education are an important step toward creating learning environments that foster both academic excellence and well-being,” said Erin Benham, Acting Chair of the Connecticut State Board of Education. “Used purposefully, technology can enhance learning and connection, but we also need to protect students from the potential negative effects of excessive or unrestrained use. This policy will help schools strike that balance and support students as they prepare to succeed in learning and in life.”
“CABE is pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Connecticut Department of Education in developing this policy guidance, and we look forward to supporting school boards as they address this important issue through local policy development,” said Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Connecticut Association of School Boards (CABE).
“Teachers are increasingly competing with cell phones for students' attention, and an increasing number of students are experiencing emotional crises triggered by social media interactions,” said Kate Diaz, president of the Connecticut Education Association. “We welcome the Connecticut Department of Education's initial guidance and look forward to working with local school districts to develop strong, clear and enforceable policies that minimize cell phone use and meet the needs of educators, students and parents.”
“Connecticut Association of Schools member principals strive to foster engaging learning environments for all students,” said Glenn Lungarini, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut High School Athletic Association. “Adopting the Connecticut Department of Education's guidelines on personal technology use supports school-based efforts to enhance the learning experience through appropriate technology use while combating the potential for technology to distract or negatively impact students.”
