By NEIL ZOLOT
WAKEFIELD — A new cell phone policy at Wakefield Memorial High would prohibit their use during the school day from 7:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
“Cell phones/listening devices are not allowed to be used during the school day and should be put away when students enter Home Room and Advisory periods,” a letter from high school Principal Amy McLeod sent to families reads. “Cell phones/listening devices must be kept off and stored away during the entire school day (in bags, backpacks, or lockers) and students are strongly encouraged to leave cell phones/listening devices at home or in their cars, instead of bringing them into the building. Students may not take their phones/listening devices with them to the bathrooms or hallways during class time; are not allowed to use their phones as video cameras or recording devices during the school day, unless with explicit permission from the classroom teacher or an administrator. Surreptitious audio recording of another individual without their consent may constitute a criminal felony offense in Massachusetts General Laws c. 272, Section 99; are prohibited from using earbuds, headphones, or any listening devices in their ears at any time during the school day; smart watches will be allowed to be worn by students, however the misuse of watches (as a replacement for a cell phone) may result in disciplinary consequences.”
Violations will result in a device being taken away for a class period or a day and parents/guardians being required to retrieve the phone/listening device with repeated offenses could lead to a loss of cell phone privileges, detention, or further disciplinary action.
The letter also asks families to “please refrain from contacting students via cell phone during the school day. In case of an emergency or for dismissals, parents/guardians can always reach out to the Main Office at 781-246-6440 and your student can be notified.”
There are exceptions, however, including teachers authorizing cell phone/listening device usage during class time specifically for an instructional activity or in case of an emergency, situations that require students to use their phones to film or record (for visual arts classes) with a pass when using their phones for these purposes, students using their cell phones/listening devices during D block lunch in the cafeteria only and for students who have documented accommodations in their Individual Education Plan, 504 Plan or health plan.
“Based on research, guidance from state agencies, and feedback about the effects of cell phone use on students, we are exploring changes to our school-wide approach to cell phone/listening device usage during the school day,” McLeod wrote. “Our change in approach to cell phones and listening devices is aimed at creating a focused and productive learning environment, free of social media distractions, for all students. We believe that this approach will contribute to a better learning environment for all students by reducing distractions and encouraging full engagement in class activities. Your support in reinforcing these guidelines with your child is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your ongoing support in making Wakefield Memorial High School a place where our students can thrive without distractions.”
The new policy is a reaction to passage of Massachusetts Senate Bill 2561, which a Senate press release describes as “An Act to promote student learning and mental health, which requires all public school districts to adopt cell phone-free school policies by fall 2026. Reasonable exceptions to the rule will be made for students who need their personal devices for treating medical conditions, off-campus travel requirements, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), or to accommodate a disability. Districts must ensure that students and caregivers have at least one method of communication during school hours and that students and families can communicate during emergency situations.”
It will now move to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
“As a mother of two school-age boys and a former seventh grade teacher, I am all too aware of the impacts that cellphone use can have on a student’s learning and focus,” area Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian said. “That’s why I was proud to file the Safe Technology Use and Distraction-free Education for Youth (STUDY) Act with Leader Alice Peisch, Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Senator Julian Cyr to ensure that students are free from the distractions of phones at school, allowing them to fully engage in learning and foster deeper connections with peers and teachers. The bill we filed also includes attention on the negative impacts of social media on young minds, another policy area ripe for state attention.”
“The STUDY Act puts students and their mental health first,” Campbell said. ”This bill is a commitment to both education and mental health for our young people, ensuring they have the tools to succeed without unnecessary harm. By restricting cellphones during the school day and raising the bar for social media companies, we are taking bold steps to create learning environments free from distraction and a digital landscape that prioritizes the well-being of our youth.”
The policy was discussed at a meeting of the School Committee Policy and Communications Subcommittee comprised of School Committee members Peter Davis, Stephan Ingalls and Melissa Quinn Monday, August 11 and at the full School Committee meeting Tuesday, August 12. Superintendent Doug Lyons said it will come up for a vote at the next meeting Tuesday, August 26. “It’s a middle of the road kind of policy,” Quinn feels. “Some people think it goes too far and some people think it doesn’t go far enough.”
She also feels the language needs to be broad “because in six months something else will come out” and “needs language for students who might need to access accommodations their IEP doesn’t address because it wasn’t necessary and parents can be assured students can access services.”
“Things will come up related to anxiety or health not in the IEP,” Assistant Superintendent Kara Mauro acknowledged. ”They’ll reach out to a Special Education teacher or guidance counselors and it would be added to the IEP.”
“You want the language to be direct but not too stringent,” Ingalls commented. “It needs to be flexible so we tried to stay away from direct use of a cellphone because it isn’t just cellphones. It was asked for by the teachers. I think it sits where the administration and teachers need it. At the end of the day I look at educators to craft what they need.”