Spotlight Session: To Ban or Not to Ban: Tackling Cellphones in Classrooms

Eliminating students' use of smartphones during the school day is right in concept but challenging in execution. Students would absolutely benefit from less distraction from phones and social media, and more in-person interaction at school. The challenge for schools comes not in establishing these policies but in enforcing these policies, which requires diligent participation from the whole community. School policies should be accompanied with learning about digital citizenship and proper phone etiquette to help kids learn the challenges and benefits of technology and how to establish healthy digital habits. This will serve them well not just in school, but for the rest of their lives.

This session will address students' digital well-being beyond phone bans with evidence-based lessons designed to help build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits. Attendees will receive hands-on experiences illustrating activities centered on digital well-being strategies for students.