I am writing to praise and support Evanston Township High School’s decision to restrict student cell phone usage during school hours.
I am a parent to an incoming ETHS freshman, as well as middle school and elementary school-aged children. I have seen levels of distraction, stress, bullying and shaming skyrocket in teens and preteens in recent years.
This is a positive step to restore school as a place of focused learning, safety and exploration without intrusion from the outside world, addictive apps and social media.
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a massive amount of screen-based communication into our daily lives, and studies are emerging that confirm the impact on mental health, focus and education outcomes. I applaud ETHS for taking this brave and sensible step.
I hope District 65 will follow suit in the middle schools and implement a similar policy.
Dan MacAvoy