2023-2024 Personal electronic device plan (cell phones, headphones, earbuds, smartwatches, etc.)
Recent studies have shown that excessive cell phone and social media use are causing a mental health crisis for our teenagers. These studies resulted in the U.S. Surgeon General releasing an advisory in May about the negative effects of social media on teens’ mental health. Experts agree that children and teens need clear cut rules and limitations when it comes to using digital devices and social media platforms.
Gering High School will implement the following consistent electronic device expectations across the school district to foster a stronger learning environment and help reduce the number of outside distractions during the school day to maximize instructional time.
Information about the updated plans on the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices in school will be shared with students during the first week of school.
What Does This Mean?
- All personal electronic devices must be placed into a classroom storage container upon arrival to the instructional period and remain there through the class period.
- Students may use their personal devices before and after school, between class periods and during lunch.
- Smartwatches may be worn, but cannot be used for communication purposes.
- Students who need to have electronic devices in order to monitor health conditions will continue to follow their individualized plans.
If a student uses a personal electronic device during the instructional period the following sequence of consequences will be applied. (Compliance at any step will prevent movement to the next step.)
- Step 1: Staff will ask the student to put their electronic device in the designated storage location in the classroom. (Does not count as an electronic device infraction if the student complies with the teacher's request). If the student does not comply, move to Step 2.
- Step 2: The teacher will contact the office and the device will be collected and held in the main office for the remainder of the day. The incident will be logged as an electronic device infraction. If the student does not comply, move to Step 3.
- Step 3: If the student refuses to turn over the device, they will be removed from the classroom and escorted to the office or designated problem-solving location. The device will be held for the remainder of the day.
- Students who need to contact parents/guardians for emergency reasons may request to use the phone in the school office.
- Parents/guardians who need to communicate immediate information with their student during school hours may contact the school office and a message will be shared with the student.
- As in years past, the school is not responsible for the loss of personal items brought to school.