South Windsor High school has made their cell phone guidelines more visible in the classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year. These guidelines clearly define when cell phones are allowed and when they are not.
Students are allowed to use their cell phones before and after school, during passing times, in the cafe and library and for educational purposes. They are not allowed during class, during assessments, in restrooms or locker rooms, during presentations or assemblies or emergency situations.
Many visuals and graphics have been posted in all SWHS classrooms as a constant enforcement of these new standards.
“These visuals serve as reminders of how we can best use class time without unnecessary distractions,” Associate Principal Ms. Tera Harlow said. “This guidance is not about adding new rules. It’s about maintaining clarity and consistency so that all classrooms remain focused, engaging, and supportive of student learning.’’
There are many mixed opinions on this subject and many pros and cons when it comes to limited phone usage in school.
A con is that parents can’t reach their kids directly in emergency or crisis situations.
“We have had very few parents who reach out with concerns about emergency communication, but we always want families to feel confident in the process,” Harlow explained. “If a parent needs to reach their child during the school day due to a family emergency, they can call the main office directly. Our office staff will ensure that the message is delivered promptly to the student.”
A pro is there is improved focus in class and students are paying more attention to what is going on in the classroom.
“The cell phone policy really hasn’t affected my school experience; I feel I am on my phone less in class compared to last year,” senior Jack Goodrich said.
Implementing these guidelines can be challenging for teachers, but in the end the goal is to create an environment where students can be successful.
