MEHLVILLE, Mo. – Concerns about cyberbullying, distractions from studies, and the potential loss of face-to-face interaction were front and center at the Mehlville School District’s Communications Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday night.
As schools nationwide grapple with the effects of smartphone use in the classroom, the committee gathered to brainstorm updates to the district’s cell phone policy.
“It’s going to be a part of their life, so as a school district, how do we teach kids how to coexist with the cell phone, use it responsibly, and still learn?” one committee member asked.
Research increasingly shows that excessive screen time is linked to declining mental health and academic performance, particularly in minors. This growing body of evidence has prompted schools, parents, and policymakers across the country to rethink how smartphones are used in educational environments.
Director of Communications for the Mehlville School District, Jessica Pupillo, said, “It’s interesting because cell phones are a part of our life, right? We walk the line between wanting to provide the best academic environment for students and ensuring healthy relationships for them in school. At the same time, we need to teach them digital literacy and how to be good digital citizens.”
During the meeting, parents, educators, and community members debated the balance between allowing phones for emergency communication and limiting access to improve students’ focus and well-being. A key question was how to gather more input from students, the district’s largest demographic, before making any decisions.
“Getting student input is crucial,” a committee member noted. “With 10,000 kids in our district, we need to hear their viewpoints on how to handle cell phones, and then educate them on responsible use.”
While the cell phone policy remains in the early stages of discussion, Thursday’s meeting set an example of proactive community engagement. The discussion also underscored a national issue heavily impacting adolescents, as schools across the country try to find a balance between technology and education.
As the policy evolves, the Mehlville School District continues to explore how best to prepare students to navigate the digital world while prioritizing their academic and social development.
