Report on cell phone ban reveals successes, challenges

Three days into the new school year, Cassville High School Principal Tyler Willis delivered a report to the Cassville School Board on the effects of the new cell phone ban at the building, informing the group there have been more successes than challenges — and a handful of learning moments.

Willis said the change has been interesting, and the first few days saw no complaints from teachers with increased engagement.

“I’ve had teachers tell me they’ve had more eye contact in the past 24 hours than they have in the last three years,” Willis said. “Kids are engaged in the lessons. Two kids also came up to Coach [Lance] Parnell unprompted and said they like the ban because kids are actually talking to each other more.”

Cassville uses Yondr

Where: Cassville High School What: Principal gives report on new cell phone ban Report: No major issues, engagement up, cafeteria louder, clocks needed pouches — secure, lockable bags designed to create phone-free environments by allowing individuals to keep their phones with them while preventing use during designated times — for all students at the high school, which Willis said have been a strong tool in limiting device use.

“We’ve had only one incident, and that resulted in strict discipline because there was an intent to deceive,” Willis said. “We’ve noticed some other kids doing the same kind of thing, but even if they do, they still have to work really hard to do it while in class. It’s difficult.”

Administrators have also performed checks in certain classrooms, asking students to put their Yondr pouches on their desks to make sure phones are secured.

“We’ve also consulted teachers to see what they hear kids talking about and ways they may try to get away with something,” said Jody Cavness, Cassville High School assistant principal. “We’re also talking to other districts for strategies to counter any attempts they make.”

While Cassville and Southwest use Yondr pouches, other Barry County districts are relying on a personal responsibility method, and Willis said their reports of success the first few days of classes.

“All the schools who don’t use Yondr pouches say the same, that the ban has resulted in more engagement and interaction than in the past. But, I like that with the Yondr pouches, our teachers won’t have to keep chasing kids to follow the rules and can focus on education.”

As a result of the ban, Willis said administrators have also learned a few things they did not expect.

“One thing we learned is we don’t have enough clocks,” Willis said. “Kids used to use their phones to check the time, so now, they don’t know what time it is. Some kids have even used the phone in the pouch to ask Siri what time it is.”

Willis said he intends to buy more clocks for the hallways, and other administrators and board members attending the meeting chimed in they hoped to see analog clocks instead of digital.

Another unexpected result of the ban has been an increase in noise.

“The cafeteria is also a lot louder at lunch, because kids don’t have their phones so they are interacting more,” Willis said.

“I’ve had to close a few classroom doors because it’s louder than normal in the halls,” Cavness said. “That’s because engagement is up. It’s not bad noise, we just don’t want another class to be interrupted. Also, the freshmen class has been the most OK with no phones, I think because they are still used to the ban in middle school.”

Following the report, Superintendent Merlyn Johnson said it may be a good practice to get updates for the first few months to see what else changes or comes to light.

“One thing we learned is we don’t have enough clocks. Kids used to use their phones to check the time, so now, they don’t know what time it is. Some kids have even used the phone in the pouch to ask Siri what time it is.”

TYLE WILLIS

Cassville High School Principal