QUINCY — Starting in November, Quincy Middle School will adopt a new “cell phone-free” policy as part of a district-wide effort to enhance the learning environment and address concerns related to student mental health and social interactions. The Quincy School District announced the policy at a school board meeting last Tuesday night, following months of planning and consultation with educators.
The decision to implement the no-cell-phone policy stems from a district report that outlined several benefits anticipated from the change. Among these are enhanced classroom learning, reduced distractions, improved mental health, fewer out-of-class student meetings, and a decrease in bullying incidents on social media.
A recent survey conducted by the district showed overwhelming support for the policy among teachers, with 85% of respondents in favor of banning personal technology during school hours. The policy will be enforced from the first bell at 8:15 a.m. until the last bell at 3:05 p.m., marking a significant shift from the current electronic device guidelines…