MARIETTA, Ga. — The Marietta City Schools Board of Education is exploring the idea to expand its ban on cellphones, smartwatches, and social media use to include its high school students.
While no decision was made during Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, the board plans to gather feedback from parents, faculty, and students in the coming months.
Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera highlighted the success of the ban already in place at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School.
Implemented in August, the policy requires students to secure their devices in Yondr pouches, which use a magnet-locking system to restrict access during school hours. Devices are returned just minutes before dismissal.
“The success we’ve had in the middle school demonstrates that this is working for students in grades sixth, seventh, and eighth,” Rivera said. “If the high school staff believes this is not going to help them better engage with children and keep the school safer, then I will never bring a recommendation back to this board.”
Teachers See Positive Changes
Several middle school teachers spoke at the meeting, expressing initial skepticism but acknowledging the benefits they’ve witnessed.
“I have to admit to you, I was the number one skeptic,” said Marietta Middle School teacher Mary Ellen Mayor. On Tuesday night, months after being a skeptic, she told the board, "I was way wrong.”
The mayor and other teachers reported improved student engagement and communication.
“The students are actually talking academically with each other, they’re taking notes, they’re listening,” said Linda Skaggs, another middle school teacher.
Teachers also noted that cell phones had become non-issues at both the middle school and the sixth-grade academy since the ban was implemented.
Josh Waters, a teacher at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and a parent of a middle schooler, said the ban had helped his son, who does not own a phone, feel more accepted among his peers. “It no longer makes him feel ostracized for not having one,” Waters said.
Survey Results Show Promise
Rivera shared results from a recent survey, showing teachers felt less stressed in the classroom and observed better behavior among students.
You can see the results and presentation shared during the board meeting here.
The district credits the Yondr pouches for reducing distractions, curbing e-cheating, and improving classroom dynamics.
Next Steps
The school board will host listening sessions through the spring to gather input on the proposed high school expansion. Rivera said he expects an update on the decision by April.
Rivera presented a presentation regarding the feedback sessions they're planning, which you can view here.
For now, the district focuses on balancing technology’s role in education with creating an environment conducive to learning and engagement.