AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) – Akron Public Schools said the school day has been significantly better, friendlier and safer since students began locking away their phones during class.
Jessica Sax, principal of Hyre CLC, said the ban, which came into effect last year, was beneficial to students.
“I think students felt a lot more comfortable with the process because they knew that while I was allowed to keep my phone, I knew it wouldn’t distract me in class and prevent me from learning,” Sax said.
Students use a Yondr bag that keeps their phone safe throughout the day, and at the end of the school day, they unlock it with a magnet provided by the school district.
Sax said students pay more attention, which leads to better grades.
APS data showed a decline in the number of combative students.
“We’ve seen a significant decrease in the number of what we would call planned fights, where students would text and message each other, talk about meeting somewhere in the building or in the classroom, and then fights would break out,” Sax said.
Alan Jones, APS director of safety and security, said the district has put protocols in place to ensure families can communicate in the event of an emergency.
“They could inform the teacher and the teacher has the ability to notify school security in case of an emergency,” Jones said.
Sax said that overall this has had a positive impact on student performance.
“This is having a positive impact on our district and our students and I would say we should continue with it,” Sax said.
All rights reserved.
