A decrease in cellphone use by students in the North Allegheny School District appears to be showing some benefits.
The topic came up as part of a conversation at a Feb. 12 school board meeting during a presentation of the School Counseling Program Review. The counselors said the decrease of cellphone use at school has helped with student performance and anxiety.
When school director Michael Weniger asked whether social media played a role, school counselor Bryan Kiggins said most likely.
Research shows social media plays a big part in anxiety and stress for students, he said.
“Kids have access to lots of things younger and younger as they go. I think that exposure does not help our situation,” he said, also noting pandemic effects have added stress.
School counselor Jen Rosato said parents can start by monitoring technology at home, such as avoiding keeping a phone in the bedroom or stopping use at an earlier time in the evening.
“Constant images that they’re able to see over and over again on TikTok that they can’t get out of their heads can really spiral them into anxiety,” she said.
The counseling department holds community connection meetings during the year and would like to use technology as a topic for a future event.
“We would love to reach more of our families and community and educate about social media,” she said.
High school students are asked to place their cellphones in compartments on the wall before entering their classrooms.
“Our teachers are very thankful that our students do not have their cellphones on them as much,” Kiggins said.
The middle schools do not allow cellphones during the day this year, unless in an emergency or significant need. But they have to ask permission first, according to a middle school counselor representative at the meeting. Not having it in their backpack helps to keep them from wanting to check it.
They have noticed increased engagement with peers, such as at lunch.