A hot topic that we are addressing is the negative impact of cell phones and social media. Nationwide, as well as in Paw Paw, research has been done about the negative effects of cell phone use on teens. Last year the Surgeon General issued a report warning of the dangers of social media. There is a growing mountain of evidence that:
Social media has a strong negative impact on student mental health;
Social media has a strong negative impact on physical health;
Social media has a strong negative impact on self worth
In the spring, PPHS students were surveyed about their cell phone use and 40% responded “I’m probably addicted” and another 31% chose “I use too much.” This was alarming to us. We care about our students and their well-being too much to ignore these dangers.
Additionally, we have found a trend in the classroom of students being less engaged in their learning and having less retention of the things they do learn.
In order to combat these negative trends, district wide we have adopted the DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT initiative, which was recently supported by our board of education. This movement aims to help our students re-engage with each other and their learning. This is a movement to keep phones out of the classrooms, protecting the learning environment and allowing students a peaceful setting to escape the pressures of their cell phones, the notifications, and the urge to respond to messages.
At PPHS, this means:
Cell phones and Smart watches are to be silenced and left in lockers. They are NOT to be present in classrooms at any time without administrative approval.
Students caught with their device in class will have it confiscated and held in the office until the end of the day.
Repeated offenses will result in discipline, including detention, and suspension.
Students MAY choose to use their phone at lunch, IN THE LUNCHROOM, but will be expected to return it to their locker after lunch.
Parents who need to get hold of their student are asked to call the office at 269-415-5600 to leave a message for them.
Students requiring an exemption for medical purposes will be considered on an individual basis, with appropriate medical documentation for conditions such as diabetes management.
We appreciate students’ and parents' support as we partner with you for the health and success of all our students.