Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Derry Township School District will implement a new policy this year to permanently ban the use of cell phones inside school buildings. The approval was made following a 30-day review process that began in May.
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, students will be required to keep their phones away and not use them during the entire school day in all buildings. This policy aims to minimize distractions and provide the best possible learning environment and outcomes. Research indicates that constant phone and social media use significantly impacts students’ social and emotional health. Building Principals will be communicating specific guidelines and expectations for their buildings.
On Monday, June 24th, the DTSD School Board approved revisions to policy 237, Electronic Devices.
The new version of policy 237 limits the use of personal cellular devices as a part of the district’s plans to tackle mental health and bullying issues associated with social media. Additionally, limiting access to cell phones throughout the school day will allow students to be more focused on teacher instruction and their academic endeavors. The district believes these changes will create a healthier school environment.
Harrisburg100 
Limiting cell phone use during the school day seems like a bold step towards better mental health for Derry Township students. A few years ago, I was teaching a college class and asked students not to use their phones during class–except for emergencies and then to step outside to talk. After some grumbling and some unpleasantness, there appeared to be good compliance . However, after a few weeks I noticed that many students had switched from taking notes using pen and paper to Laptops. When I commented on the change, the students assured me it was a much more effective way to take notes. After that, when I walked around the classroom, it was accompanied by a symphony harmony of slamming laptop lids.
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