An unexpected result of Helen Keller Middle School’s cell phone ban is that students don’t seem to mind it.
“I’m surprised how much the kids appreciate their time off their phones,” said Principal Stephen Clapp.
Another added benefit of the ban was evident during the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, administered by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Competition to assess skills in reading, writing, and math. Despite the test’s shift to a digital format, Keller staff observed that eighth-grade students performed better on the paper-and-pencil versions of the exam.
“There’s something in the learning process with paper and a pencil that gets lost in the digital translation,” said Clapp.
In September, school staff enforced a full cell phone ban, which requires students to keep their devices turned off and stored in their lockers. The ban also restricts wearable technology such as Apple Watches. Wristwatches that do not connect to the internet and are only used for health purposes are allowed.
Prior to the ban, students were allowed to carry their phones in their backpacks or pockets with the cell phones powered off. But as concerns grew over the negative impact of smartphones on students’ academic success and emotional state, school officials decided to take a stronger stance.
Under the new policy, if a student’s phone is confiscated, a parent must come to the school to retrieve it. At first, students struggled with the new rules, but they are slowly adjusting to them.
“In the beginning, I would call three to four parents per week due to confiscated phones,” said Vice Principal Ann Mohr. “This year, beginning in 2025, I’ve only had to confiscate three or four phones in total.”
The shift in policy has also garnered praise from parents. “Parents stop me all the time, thanking me for placing the phone ban, explaining that they wished more schools would enforce this rule,” said Clapp.
The ban has also occurred during a time of transition into a post-pandemic world, when the use of technology in education remains a key factor. To ensure students have the tools they need, the school provided Chromebooks to support learning, but the staff remains mindful of the potential overreliance on screens.
“We are even trying to push back on all screens,” Clapp said. “I have challenged teachers to find a balance and use technology only when it enhances learning, while also embracing the classic paper-and-pencil method.”
The school’s commitment to fostering a healthy learning environment is clear, and it extends beyond cell phone use, emphasizing the importance of balancing technology with traditional methods for optimal student development.
“We will continue to put physical books in the kids’ hands,” said Clapp.
