📅 The Gist: Next Tuesday, the Marietta City School Board will vote on a proposal to limit personal smart device use during school hours to enhance student learning and support mental health.
📋 The Details: On June 18, the Marietta City School Board will decide whether to implement a new policy requiring middle-grade students at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School to store their personal cell phones and smartwatches in Yondr pouches throughout the school day.
Yondr pouches are special locking pouches that use a proprietary magnet to secure devices, ensuring they remain inaccessible during school hours.
The initiative, developed with input from parents, students, and staff, aims to minimize distractions and promote student engagement.
“Cell phones, smartwatches, and social media have significant impacts on our students’ learning and mental health,” said Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera. “School should be a place to learn and grow; that can’t happen if students are distracted by their phones.”
🗨️ Key Quotes:
- “By curbing the use of smartphones and smartwatches, we enhance academic focus and encourage meaningful face-to-face student interactions,” said Marietta City Schools Board Chair Jeff DeJarnett.
📊 By The Numbers:
- Average daily notifications received by young people: 237
- Average daily time spent on devices: 5+ hours
- Increased risk of poor mental health outcomes from over three hours of daily social media use: Doubled
🌐 The Big Picture: Research from Common Sense Media and the U.S. Surgeon General uncovered the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s brain development and emotional learning. This initiative aims to combat these issues by creating a more focused and supportive educational environment.
💡 Why It Matters: Limiting personal smart device use during school hours is crucial for reducing distractions and supporting the mental health of students. The proposed policy reflects a community-wide effort to prioritize student well-being and academic success.
🔜 What’s Next?: The vote will take place on June 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at 250 Howard Street NE in Marietta If approved, the new policy will be implemented starting August 1.
💬 Your Take: How do you feel about the proposed policy to limit personal smart device use in schools? Will it effectively enhance student learning and mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
In The Know: While much attention is given to national politics and the workings of Congress and the White House, local government meetings are where the decisions that impact your daily life are made. City Council, County Commission, School Board Meetings, and Town Halls are where your elected leaders discuss and decide the issues that most effect your family and your community. These meetings are open to the public.
Each week, The Georgia Sun highlights some of the meetings and local government actions you need to know about in your community to keep you informed and to make sure you know what decisions your elected officials are considering and how your tax dollars are being spent.
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