"Off and Away" FAQs

According to the Surgeon General, social media use by youth is nearly universal. Up to 95% of youth ages 13–17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media “almost constantly.” Although age 13 is commonly the required minimum age used by social media platforms in the U.S., nearly 40% of children ages 8–12 use social media.

Despite this widespread use among children and adolescents, robust independent safety analyses on the impact of social media on youth have not yet been conducted. There are increasing concerns among researchers, parents and caregivers, young people, healthcare experts and others about the impact of social media on youth mental health.

We believe that supporting students with responsible use of electronic devices is a critical community responsibility that requires the collective effort of students, parents/guardians, school staff and, when necessary, law enforcement. By working together, our community can create a safer and more positive online environment for all students.

Here are some examples:

• JAMA: Link between digital media use and symptoms of ADHD, 2018
• NIH: Smartphones, social media use and youth mental health, 2020
• Media Use by Tweens and Teens, March 2022, Common Sense Media
• Teens and Mental Health: How Girls Really Feel About Social Media, March 2023, Common Sense Media
• Teens and social media, April 2023, Pew Research Center
• Health advisory on social media use in adolescence, May 2023, American Psychological Association
• Social Media and Youth Mental Health, May 2023, The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory

Teachers report shortened student attention spans and less ability to concentrate during class and assignments when students are distracted by their phones and other devices. In addition, many, if not most, of the recent incidents in our school that have resulted in disciplinary consequences directly involve device and social media usage.

Cell phone bans are difficult to enforce and do not help students meet real-world challenges associated with responsible device usage and management. In addition, there may be situations in which students and their parents/guardians may want to be able to contact one another. While we urge parents/guardians to call the school office to reach students during the school day, there could be an emergency situation before, during or after school when having access to a phone may be necessary. With “Off and Away,” the goal is to teach responsible and appropriate device use, as mobile devices are not likely going away in society.

For elementary schools, We recognize that many families of elementary students opt to not provide their child with a device. However, on the occasion that students bring personal electronic devices to school, all such devices must be silenced or turned off and remain in a backpacks or location(s) designated by a teacher/staff member during the school day. Failure to follow these rules will result in progressive disciplinary action including, but not limited to, confiscation of the device.

For middle schools, students are permitted to bring personal electronic devices to school. However, all personal electronic devices must be silenced or turned off and remain in a backpack or locker during the school day. To limit distraction, teachers/staff may also require students to store phones during class in a designated location in the teacher’s classroom. Failure to follow these rules will result in progressive disciplinary action including, but not limited to, confiscation of the device.

For high schools, students are permitted to bring personal electronic devices to school. However, all personal electronic devices must be silenced or turned off and remain in a backpack or locker during class/instructional periods as well as in restrooms and locker rooms. To limit distraction, teachers/staff may also require students to store phones during class in a designated location in the teacher’s classroom during class/instructional periods. Failure to follow these rules will result in progressive disciplinary action including, but not limited to, confiscation of the device.

At all levels, when permitted to use personal electronic devices (such as before or after school), students must continue to maintain an orderly school environment, conducive to academic instruction, in accordance with District policy.

Policy 235 states, “electronic devices may be used at any time to respond to or report an emergency situation.”

Administrative Regulation 235 provides for exceptions, stating “This regulation is not intended to 5 restrict or otherwise limit the use of devices associated with the implementation of an individualized education program, 504 plan, or individual health plan.”

While the hope is that students will enjoy quiet, face-to-face social interactions with their peers during bus rides, they are permitted to use their devices as needed. Please note that device usage must be quiet, respectful of others and in alignment with school behavior expectations and policies.

“Off and Away” is not meant to be punitive, but rather to encourage a change in culture, so that students spend their school days more “present” and increase their face-to-face social interactions with peers and adults. Districts that have implemented similar programs have surveyed students and found they students report less stress and improved dialogue and interactions with classmates as their phone usage decreases. Staff will work with students to remind them of the importance of real personal interactions and to support and collaboratively problem-solve with students who have difficulty following the “Off and Away” guidelines.