Welcome back to school, where students have the entire world at their fingertips. Technology is incorporated into lessons daily from Chromebooks to newly utilized iPads in many classrooms. Despite the myriad benefits, students can easily succumb to feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of available information and connections, leading to distraction and disruption.
Key to supporting these changes is reliable parental controls available on most popular smartphones, combined with consistent (predictable) school phone policies.
There is a time and place for digital engagement that supports healthy social connection, learning, and entertainment. The thoughtful combination of setting boundaries at home and aligning with school policies will enhance education, mental well-being, and child development.
Here’s a brief overview of the range of policies being implemented by schools:
- Cell phones are prohibited for all students at every grade level. This policy relies on strong leadership to ensure compliance, as there will inevitably be resistance, particularly from older students. However, this ban also means that students cannot use their phones for educational purposes or that teachers can’t utilize technology to supplement their teaching.
- Cell phones may be restricted for elementary school students but allowed in higher education classrooms. This approach allows teachers to incorporate technology into their lessons in a tech-savvy way and encourages open dialogue about cell phones.
- One proposed approach is to restrict cell phone use to outside of classrooms. This allows students to use their devices when not in class. However, some students have exploited this by taking longer bathroom breaks to use their phones during class or by not socializing during lunch.
Many approaches are still in development. At iParent101, we understand that there is no simple answer.
How can parents support these nuanced trends at home and when their children inevitably bring their devices to school? Schools require parents’ assistance to develop and enforce these policies. How can parents partner effectively without the necessary resources? For years, there have been reports of Apple ScreenTime limits not working as advertised, making it harder for parents to support evolving school policies.iPhones undeniably remain the preferred smartphone option for many students of all ages.
It’s time to take action as we return to school. Make a difference for your family by completing the Apple feedback form on iParent101’s website today! (or scroll down)
References
https://www.edweek.org/technology
https://www.edweek.org/technology/6-ways-schools
Apple’s Broken Guardrail System
Did you see Dr. Pletter’s campaign in May 2024 highlighting the small, yet critical problem with Apple’s parental control system? The Beyond the feedback: Calling All iPhone Users campaign continues to grow and was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal and US News and World Report. Considering the global push to balance society’s reliance on technology with the growing awareness of its impact on our families, let’s keep going and make even more noise (Apple Feedback link). Applecare repeatedly tells us that they will respond to their customers’ feedback. Let’s fight off the fatigue and apathy and inundate Apple with reports. Apple must (and will?) do better to stay at the forefront of innovation for our families and future customers, particularly our kids.
