‘They’re too prevalent’: District officials ban cell phone use at Dixie County Middle High School
By Mistie Webb
Some middle and high school students in Dixie County will now have to put their phones away and out of reach during school hours.
School officials announced that Dixie County Middle High School students will no longer be allowed to use cell phones during school hours.
In their announcement, they ask that parents remind their children to keep their phones turned off and stored in their lockers or bags throughout the school day.
This has caused some controversy with many parents saying this is a good idea and can help prevent bullying. Some others say they can’t get behind the change due to the possibility of a school shooting or a medical emergency.
One parent says social media is bad for kids’ mental health and shouldn’t be used during school hours.
“I’ve dealt with some stuff with my child and bullying on social media and I know the school can’t control that, so it helps that they’re not a school recording fights, making threats and doing all that,” said Denelle Cook, a parent.
Another parent is not in support and says she wants them to have phones in case of an emergency.
“We recently had an incident with my son who is an 8th grader where we had a severe head injury where he was bleeding. My son had enough time to make four phone calls and I still never heard a phone call from the school,” said Bobbi Jo Lytte Burke, another parent.
One former student says she has siblings who still go to school there and has concerns but also understands it from a student perspective.
“Speaking as a student, I was definitely on my phone a lot. Getting an education is important, learning is important and that’s why you’re going to school,” said Maddie Missildine, a former student. “At the same time, in case something like a medical emergency happens, then students definitely need to have an opportunity to reach for their phone.”
Superintendent Mike Thomas says in a statement, “Cell phones have become a distraction and interfere in our efforts to provide quality instruction to our students. We have asked students not to use their cell phones during the school day. For instructional purposes, such as logging in for dual enrollment classes will be allowed. Cell phone use will be allowed on campus before and after school hours.”
If there is an emergency, parents can contact the front office to get the children a message.