As phone-free schools emerge, O’Gorman shares benefits of its long-standing policy

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

Should schools be phone-free?

Nationwide, the issue is getting a lot of attention lately, but Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools already has it under control.

The schools have a long-standing policy prohibiting the use of phones during school hours. The policy states:

O’Gorman High School (OGHS) and O’Gorman Junior High (OGJH): Students are not to carry cell phones or wearable devices on their person during the school day. These devices can be distracting, can cause academic integrity issues, and have a potential to be dangerous in cases dealing with school emergencies. If students are found to be carrying a cell phone or other wearable technology with them, it will be confiscated and held by the administration for one week. Parents may retrieve the phone or wearable technology at any time during this week by paying a $25 fine. 

Elementary Schools: Cell phones and wearable devices are not to be used in any area of the school or on the playground including the Before and After School Care Program. These devices can be distracting, can cause academic integrity issues, and have a potential to be dangerous in cases dealing with school emergencies. Cell phones and wearable devices may be stored “OFF” in lockers/backpacks or checked into the office during the school day, per principal discretion. Violations will result in the devices being confiscated and held by administration.

This idea reflects the school system’s commitment to a safe learning environment where learning is the primary focus. Wade Charron, principal of OGJH, said the policy is crucial to limiting distractions and providing structure in the classroom.

“Anytime you can limit distractions and provide structure in the classroom, the students benefit,” Charron said. “Over the years, we have had very few issues implementing this policy since it has been a long-standing expectation of the school.”

Adjustment for new students

Because phones are allowed in many local schools, the policy often is discussed when potential families inquire and tour.

“Students who join us from public school typically adjust well to our policy when they know the expectation,” said Joan Mahoney, principal at OGHS.

Benefits of a phone-free environment

More and more research is being done to support a phone-free school environment. Mahoney points out how even adults struggle with distractions when their phones are nearby, and the same applies to students.

“Research supports the idea that students are distracted by their phones when they have them with them. The further away the phone is from the student, the research suggests, the lesser the distraction,” she said.

“Not having cellphones in the classrooms removes a distraction and improves student engagement.”

Beyond the classroom, this phone-free policy also promotes healthier interactions among students. A few OGJH students shared how they don’t have to worry about who is posting on social media, commenting and messaging when no one else has their phone on them either. The students are able to engage socially with one another and further develop important communication skills face-to-face.

Another benefit of reducing phone use during school hours is health-related. Local eye doctors have observed that less screen time helps mitigate issues like eye strain and fatigue. Excessive screen time is linked to conditions such as myopia, or nearsightedness, and dry eye syndrome. Reducing phone usage during the school day gives students a break from screen exposure, which is beneficial to their overall eye health.

Parental perspectives on phone use

Parents, too, see the value in Bishop O’Gorman’s no-phone policy, particularly when it comes to guarding their children from some of the emotional and psychological challenges that correspond with constant phone and social media use.

As one parent explained: “Parenting becomes more challenging because we are oftentimes unaware of what our children are experiencing or seeing while using their phones.”

As a parent of multiple students who have gone through Bishop O’Gorman, this parent also pointed out the rise in anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and reduced self-esteem because of the pressures of social media. While prohibiting phones at school doesn’t eliminate these problems, it provides students with a break from the constant rush of social media during the school day.

A policy that’s here to stay 

As for whether this phone policy will change in the future, Mahoney is clear: The school plans to uphold it.

“Since cellphones for students became common, we have had the same policy,” she said. “I do not see us changing this policy.”

Very few issues arise because of the use of cellphones, and teachers appreciate the way this policy supports a learning-centered environment, Mahoney added.

“Our teachers appreciate it as it supports a classroom more conducive to learning.”

Bishop O’Gorman’s no-phone policy circles back to the schools’ mission: To form a community of faith and learning by promoting a Catholic way of life through Gospel values and academic excellence.

It promotes focused learning, healthier student interactions and a break from the pressures of social media. It’s a policy that continues to benefit both students and staff alike.

To learn more about Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, click here.