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Board discusses 'The Anxious Generation' and directs superintendent to study student phone use
Summary
During a board book study and public comment the board heard parent requests for an internet‑safety curriculum and support for a 'Wait till 8' campaign. The board asked Superintendent Jeff McHugh to investigate student cell‑phone presence and social‑media impacts and return with findings and recommendations.
During public participation Erin Lindgren, a parent, told the board that a group of District 41 parents has begun a local "Wait till 8" pledge (families pledging to delay smartphone introduction until about eighth grade) and recommended that the district explore an in‑school internet‑safety curriculum and workshops for parents. Lindgren noted that parents had collected roughly 47 signatures in about 24 hours at Lincoln, Ben Franklin and Forest Glen elementary schools and suggested the district consider local providers for curriculum and parent education.
Later in the meeting the board held a book study on The Anxious Generation, a book about adolescent mental health and digital technology. Board members and student board members described classroom and social impacts they had observed. Student board members commented directly that not having a phone had improved confidence and reduced drama for some students.
After discussion the board reached consensus to direct Superintendent Jeff McHugh to investigate the implications of cell phones and social‑media access in district schools. The superintendent was asked to consult administrators, teachers and students, and to return at an appropriate future meeting with findings and potential recommendations for district policy or practice.
Board members emphasized that this work should be balanced against other strategic priorities and that any recommended actions should include teacher and student perspectives as well as operational impacts (transportation, supervision, before/after care).
