Survey Reveals Strong Support for Balanced Cell Phone Use in Schools

As its next step in gathering input regarding the District’s current cell phone policy for students, the Lakota Board of Education recently issued a quantitative survey to the community. Over 4,800 people responded, including: students in grades 7-12 (53 percent), parents (44 percent) and staff (7 percent). Parents and staff spanned grades K-12. The current policy, which has been in place for over 10 years. All school districts in Ohio must have a policy in place by the summer of 2025 per a new Ohio law. 

Overall, the quantitative results echo feedback already gathered this year through surveys and community conversations. There is a strong preference for allowing controlled and purposeful use of cell phones, particularly for emergencies and educational purposes. There is significant opposition to a total ban on cell phones, with many participants advocating for clear and consistent policies that balance access with minimizing distractions. 

Top Themes:

Emergency Access

Parents (68 percent) and students (94 percent) consider it important for students to have access to their cell phones during school hours for emergency purposes, compared to 65 percent of staff members. A combined 64 percent of all participants rated this as either extremely or very important. 

Policy Consistency

There is a notable emphasis on the importance of having clear and consistent cell phone policies across all classrooms. A total of 54 percent of respondents believe it is either extremely or very important. This suggests a desire for uniformity and clarity in rules to avoid confusion and ensure fair enforcement.

Prevention Methods

Opinions are mixed regarding the effectiveness of methods like classroom collection locations or locked pouches to prevent cell phone use during class. While 26 percent of respondents feel these methods would be moderately effective, others are less convinced, with 22 percent finding them slightly effective and 21 percent not effective at all. This indicates a need for exploring alternative strategies or improving current methods.

Total Ban

While 82 percent of students do not support a total ban on cell phone use during school hours, only 47 percent of parents feel the same way. About 41 percent of parents support a total ban, along with 67 percent of staff. This reflects a general preference for more balanced approaches rather than strict prohibitions. 

Assignment Use

There is considerable support for allowing students to use their phones for school assignments if they lack access to district-issued Chromebooks. A combined 86 percent agree, either unconditionally or if no other options are available. 

Academic Impact

Participants have varied opinions on how cell phone use in class affects academic performance. While 30 percent believe it affects performance moderately, 21 percent think it has a significant impact, and 17 percent feel it is extremely impactful. 

Free Use

A large majority (76 percent) support students being able to use their cell phones freely in non-instructional situations such as lunch, hallways and class changes. Only 17 percent oppose this, with seven percent unsure. 

Storage During Class

Most participants (59 percent) believe students should keep their cell phones in their possession but not visible during instructional time. Other suggestions include designated areas in classrooms (18 percent) and lockers (15 percent). 

Additional Comments Summary

The most important topic highlighted by participants is the need for a clear and consistent cell phone policy in schools, with a general sentiment favoring restricted use during instructional time to minimize distractions and enhance learning.

Emergency Access

Like the quantitative questions, a significant portion of participants, especially students, believe that having access to cell phones during school hours for emergency purposes is crucial. They believe that having a phone can provide a sense of security and a direct line of communication with parents or emergency services. However, some participants argue that phones may not be as useful in emergencies as assumed, suggesting that school protocols and land lines should be sufficient.

Classroom Distraction

A significant number of responses highlighted the disruptive nature of cell phones during instructional time. Participants noted that phones distract students from learning, reduce their attention spans and create unnecessary policing situations for teachers. There is a strong consensus that phones should be restricted or banned during class to maintain a focused learning environment.

Social Interaction

Participants expressed concerns about the negative impact of cell phones on students' social development. They observed that phones hinder face-to-face interactions, especially during lunch and recess, leading to social isolation and a decline in communication skills. Many believe that limiting phone use can encourage students to engage more with their peers.

Consistent Policy

There is a call for a clear and consistent cell phone policy across all classrooms and schools. Participants stressed the need for uniform enforcement to avoid confusion and ensure fairness. They believe that a well-defined policy with clear consequences for violations will help manage phone use effectively.

Parental Communication

Some participants value the ability to communicate with their children during the school day for non-emergency reasons, such as coordinating pick-ups or providing emotional support. They argue that limited access to phones during breaks or lunch can facilitate this communication without disrupting learning. However, others believe that such communication can be managed through the school office.

The community is invited to view all of the survey results online.