Unionville‑Chadds Ford School District officials on Nov. 11 outlined a multi‑month process to review the district’s personal electronic device policy.

Administration said a committee of teachers, parents, students and administrators has reviewed feedback from several district councils and found common concerns about PEDs (phones and wearables) distracting students, inconsistent enforcement and age‑appropriate differences. "We are gonna transition to using the term personal electronic devices a lot more than just cell phones," a committee presenter said, explaining the inclusion of wearables and similar devices.

The committee described two primary objectives driving the conversation: reducing instructional distractions and addressing student mental health. Board members debated whether the policy should prioritize a near‑total restriction in school, a skills‑based approach that teaches students self‑management, or a hybrid. One director said the district should clearly set the priority early so committee recommendations align with the board’s goals.

Administration proposed a timeline: a community feedback survey to be launched in December, two more committee meetings in January and February, recommendations developed in March and a draft policy for first reading in April. The board was told the policy would then follow the district’s normal reading and adoption cycle.

Board members asked for more student voice and recommended a student Q&A panel at a future meeting. The district emphasized that implementation details — including enforcement practices and equity protections for students who do not own devices — remain to be developed.