Radnor High implements 'off and away' phone policy; administrators report positive early results

Radnor High School has implemented an "off and away" cell-phone policy that requires students to power off and put away phones for the school day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., with limited exceptions for IEP/504 accommodations and medical needs.

Principal Dr. McNamara told the curriculum committee the change grew from staff surveys, parent focus groups and research (the book The Anxious Generation was cited). The rollout included meetings with the union and student government in late July, family communications in early August and student assemblies on the first day of school. Administrators intentionally avoided locking phones in pouches to preserve immediate access for emergencies.

Consequences for violations start with warnings and escalate for repeat offenders to after-school detention, Saturday detention or parent meetings. Dr. McNamara said the majority of violations have been first-time offenses handled with warnings and that the initiative has been well received: he described library groups playing games, students talking more in hallways and a general improvement in engagement.

Student representative Jackson Diskin and several board members reported seeing more genuine human interaction and praised the administration for shared agency between students, staff and families. Board members recounted anecdotes of initially skeptical seniors coming around and families expressing strong support after implementation.

Administrators said parent communications and a frequently asked questions page are available online and that families may still contact students through the main office. The committee voiced broad support and called the rollout "refreshing," while acknowledging some ongoing enforcement challenges.

No policy change was voted on at this meeting; the update was informational and administration will monitor compliance and outcomes.