Local North Cross School is proud to announce its continued commitment to a cellphone-free campus, a policy that has been in place campus-wide since 2022. This proactive measure came years before recent statewide guidance from the Education Department, which encourages schools to ban cellphone use during the entire school day.
By restricting cellphone usage, North Cross aims to foster a more focused, engaging, and socially interactive learning environment. The school recognizes the detrimental effects that excessive cellphone use can have on students’ attention spans, mental health, and interpersonal relationships.
North Cross School does not allow students to use cell phones or smartwatches during the academic day unless they are explicitly directed to do so by a teacher for an in-class assignment. The devices must remain out of sight the entirety of the school day. Students in grades 9-12 may use cell phones in designated areas only to communicate with parents or guardians. Certain exceptions can be made at the discretion of the administration for such instances as medical reminders/monitoring, approved academic work, international students calling home, etc.
“Our decision to implement a cellphone-free policy was driven by our desire to prioritize the holistic development of our students,” explained Allie Kier, Middle and Upper School Director. “Over the years, we recognized the impacts of cell phones on students and their daily lives at school, particularly in their attention and social interactions. Since 2017, our Middle School students have been device-free (including computers, headphones, etc.) during any non-class times in order to promote social interactions and physical movement in the students. We decided two years ago to also adopt the no-phone policy in the Upper School, as we value the important development our young people get through interactions with their peers and teachers. We encourage students in both divisions to fully commit, mentally and physically, to their experience at school while they are here, free from the distractions of cell phones. We believe that by removing the constant distraction of cellphones, we can create a space where students can fully engage with their peers, teachers, and academic work,” said Kier.
Head of School Armistead Lemon echoed Kier’s sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact that the cellphone policy has had on the school community. “For decades, North Cross has consistently focused on character development and leadership skills for all of its students. Without the constant presence of cell phones, our students learn to be adept at what we call ‘success skills’ – eye contact, greeting others, paying attention, confident in-person communication, and public speaking –- which translate well beyond the classroom.”
“The transition to a no-cellphone policy at North Cross has been a resounding success,” stated Sarah Cocowitch, Upper School Counselor. “During breaks, our students are engaging in a variety of activities, such as chatting with friends, playing sports, or simply enjoying a good book. The absence of constant phone notifications has created a more relaxed and focused environment, allowing students to reconnect with themselves and their peers.”
North Cross School’s commitment to a cellphone-free campus serves as a model for other schools seeking to create a more conducive learning environment for their students. By prioritizing the benefits of technology-free interactions, the school is empowering its students to thrive academically, socially, and physically.
