During a recent school board meeting, Superintendent Munger addressed the significant impact of the Sothumb Band initiative on bullying and student interactions within schools. Board member Vindien inquired about the changes observed since the implementation of the program, specifically regarding physical altercations and overall student behavior.

Superintendent Munger reported a dramatic decline in physical altercations, noting that incidents had shifted from \"concerning to nonexistent.\" The absence of cell phones during school hours has played a crucial role in this transformation. Without access to their devices, students are no longer able to record fights or engage in harmful social media trends that previously fueled bullying.

Munger highlighted that students have expressed a sense of relief, as they are now able to form genuine friendships with their peers rather than relying on online interactions. This shift has fostered more direct communication among students, allowing them to resolve conflicts face-to-face rather than through messaging apps, which Munger described as ineffective for conflict resolution.

The superintendent also noted a significant decrease in behavioral referrals, with the exception of an initial spike in infractions related to cell phone usage. In the first year of the program, there were approximately 60 referrals for students failing to comply with the phone policy, but these did not involve serious behavioral issues.

Overall, the Sothumb Band initiative appears to have positively influenced the school environment, promoting healthier social interactions and reducing instances of bullying.