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District may have ‘some flexibility’ under proposed school cellphone ban

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

A bill recently passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives could have an impact on student cellphone use in schools, taking precedence over the Hopkinton Public Schools’ existing policies.

The House on April 8 passed a bill that prohibits social media use for Massachusetts residents under the age of 14. Part of the bill includes a cellphone ban in schools from arrival through dismissal and would “require districts to educate students in age-appropriate ways about the responsible use of social media, including potential harms to emotional and mental health and bullying.”

According to a press release, the legislation directs school districts to implement policies prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day and during school-sponsored activities. Accommodations to the policies can be made as necessary.

The bill will go back to the state Senate for further consideration.

HPS Superintendent Evan Bishop told the Independent via email that, if approved by the Senate and signed into law, the new legislation would take precedence over the district’s existing policies. However, he added, “There would likely still be some flexibility in how schools operationalize it day-to-day that would also need to be approved by the School Committee.”

Bishop explained that the high school has moved toward an “away for the day/during instructional time” approach. Students are allowed to access phones during non-instructional time. However, at the middle school and Hopkins, the policy is “off and away” with no designated time for use during the school day.

He added that a balance between safety and limiting distraction has been central to the district’s approach on its policies. He affirmed that high school students do have access to their phones at certain times of the day, and that parents who need to get in touch with their kids always can call the schools.

Bishop noted calling the main office is “the most reliable communication channel” during the school day.

Regarding when the existing policies were implemented, Bishop indicated it was an ongoing process. “The current approach has evolved, but more structured classroom expectations were implemented over the last 1-2 years as part of a broader effort to improve focus and consistency across classroom,” he explained. He added that feedback from staff, students and families helps the district to “refine expectations.”

He also credited staff and students at the high school for engaging with HPS administration to provide formally gathered input as part of broader efforts to improve the school’s culture and engagement.

“That collaboration is important, not just for buy-in but for helping students understand the ‘why’ behind the expectations, not just the rule itself,” Bishop stated.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Town meetings tonight include the Appropriation Committee (5), Select Board (6) and Veterans Celebration Committee (6:30).

Photo of the Day

Children pick out colors to throw during the Rang-Holi Festival of Colors at Weston Nurseries on Saturday. Click here for more photos.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO