Cellphone and Social Media Thoughtexchange Report

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June 20, 2023

1. To clarify current policies and procedures regarding student cell phone use.
2. To gain insight from our stakeholders on the topic of student device and social media use using the Thoughtexchange platform.
3. To recommend next steps that the district may consider to better align our efforts regarding the health and development of our students.

Objective

Three Thoughtexchange rules:

• Be polite, respectful, and constructive as you develop thought entries.
• All thought entries must have a factual basis and be related to the topic of safety, security, and well-being.
• Do not identify any individuals in your thought entries.

Quick tips for participating in the Thoughtexchange:

• The platform is self-explanatory and does not require an account, but if you'd like to learn more, you can watch this short video.
• Please separate multiple ideas into separate thought entries.
• You do not need to contribute a "thought" to provide ratings.
• Revisit the Thoughtexchange to rate new thoughts as they appear.

The district reserves the right to interpret these rules. Comments that violate the rules may be removed from public view. All comments will be preserved and reviewed by the district administration.

Thoughtexchange Introduction

Background information:

To better understand our schools' current practices, you can review the following information and links.

• At all MPS schools, students are prohibited from using cell phones or social media during class time unless permitted by the teacher.
• Each school in Madison has a specific device policy designed to be age-appropriate.
• MHS Cell Phone and Technology Use Policy
• MJS Cell Phone Expectations
• At each elementary school, phones must be turned off and kept in student backpacks.
• MPS also has Policy 5516 - Use of Electronic Communication and Recording Devices which prohibits the recording and sharing of images, videos, or audio in a way that may violate privacy or disrupt the school day.

Thank you for joining this important conversation!

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Thoughtexchange Introduction (Cont’d)

Exchange Summary

Mark Schwarz, Madison Public Schools

May 2, 2023

What perspectives should school leaders consider as we evaluate MPS policies and procedures regarding student use of social media and personal electronic devices? (please detail the grade levels to which your comment applies)

PARTICIPATION

Breakdown of Participation

PARTICIPATION

Breakdown of Participation

PARTICIPATION

Breakdown of Participation

WORDCLOUD

Top Rated

THOUGHTS

Elementary

THOUGHTS

Social Media Bullying

THOUGHTS

Mental Health

THOUGHTS

Personal Devices

THOUGHTS

Social Media

DIFFERENCES

Cell Phones | Kids Are Responsible [142 | 77]

DIFFERENCES

Social Media [107 | 49]

DIFFERENCES

Personal Electronic Devices [96 | 46]

Takeaways

1. Points of agreement generally support current device policies:
1. Elementary schools - phones must be kept in student backpacks
2. MJS - phones and earbuds must be out of sight at all times during the school day
3. MHS - phones and earbuds must be out of sight during instructional time
4. Some parents, students and staff are concerned that enforcement is not consistent

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• Parents and faculty are concerned about social media use among students, specifically with respect to bullying/exclusion. Very little support for social media in school.

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• Recommendations:
• Parents, educators, and students should work together to establish norms for appropriate device use and social media use at school and at home.
• Policy violations should have consistent consequences in school and at home.
• Use of smartwatches and personal laptops need to be more clearly addressed in policies.
• Digital citizenship and “digital health” should be embedded in our curriculum.

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Q&A Session