Parent urges Weston schools to limit student cell-phone use to protect social interaction and learning
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Summary
A parent and physician told the committee his household limits cell-phone use and urged the district to preserve school time as a "safe haven" from phones, citing social and mental-health concerns.
A public commenter who identified himself as a physician spoke during public comment to urge the district to consider restricting student cell-phone access during the school day.
The commenter said his family delayed giving their oldest a cell phone until age 14 and described observed social effects when students use phones during social gatherings. "Studies show that an average kid who has their cell phone during school time spends 43 minutes on social media or YouTube or just texting," he said, adding that Chromebooks and iPads provide necessary learning tools and that schools should remain "safe havens for growth and social interaction."
Nut graf: The speaker framed his remarks as an appeal to the committee and administration to consider policy or cultural steps that reduce in-school cell-phone distractions and help students engage in person and in class.
The committee acknowledged the comment and reminded public commenters to confirm sign-in; no action or policy proposal was introduced at the meeting.
Ending: The comment was recorded for committee consideration; the administration did not propose an immediate policy change at this meeting.