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Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

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Re: Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

#21

Post by haswell »

I forget who originally suggested this so I can’t take credit.

But what if device manufacturers worked with schools to implement some kind of “School Mode” on these devices? Students could retain their access in exchange for schools setting policies on what’s allowed, e.g. you can keep wearing your watch, but it’s effectively in collection-only mode during the school day. Nothing intrusive to the students; more like Apple’s “Focus” modes but mandatory on school property.

I can also imagine all kinds of technical issues with this, but as our devices become increasingly wearable and integrated with daily life, it seems like a ban is only a temporarily viable solution, even if it’s the right option at this moment.

Re: Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

#23

Post by mbrumlow »

pacbard wrote: post #10
skybrian wrote: post #5

I’m wondering what the distraction potential of a Fitbit is? Do they have more features now?

My guess is that they had prior experience with asking students not to use cellphones and they observed students start using wearables to skirt the ban, which led them to just ban all of them. An interesting consequence about the wearable ban is that they also banned medical electronic devices (e.g., heart monitors or blood sugar monitors) and parents are required to meet with administration to approve their use [1].…

If they asked them not to use cell phones and they did not follow the rules, what will happen when they are banned?

Simply put. They had rules in place but failed to enforce them.

Why will banning them make the enforcement problem solved?

Re: Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

#24

Post by JumpCrisscross »

There is a striking divide between how the rich and FAANG employed treat technology around their kids versus everyone else. The single most potent difference I’ve seen as a result is their kids’ ability to maintain eye contact during conversation.

Re: Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

#25

Post by veunes »

trte9343r4 wrote: post #9
DiggyJohnson wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you have personal experience with this or something? Seems like a rather specific fear.

[flagged]

> It is way more common than car accidents!

It is not accurate when looking at the statistics!

Re: Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

#27

Post by Version467 »

trte9343r4 wrote: post #14
NotACop182 wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I got a solution for you then. Any kid caught using their phone in school is expelled. We shall put personal responsibility and consequences as the primary objective. Does this solve your issue.

[flagged]

Are you alright? This reads like it was written by someone actively experiencing psychosis or a manic episode.

Re: Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

#28

Post by JumpCrisscross »

teruakohatu wrote: post #20

New Zealand just banned student mobile phones recently in all schools [1]. I would guess LTE connected devices would also count. I think banning fitness trackers is a bit much, they are very useful for sports such as cycling, running, tri & swimming. [1] https://www.education.govt.nz/school/digital-technology/cell...

> banning fitness trackers is a bit much

Fitbits let you “see calls, texts & smartphone app notifications on your wrist when your phone is nearby” [1].

Unless you’re doing a full backpack and pocket search, permitting Fitbits seems like a guaranteed loophole.

[1] https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/products/smartwatches/sense...

Re: Greenwich schools to ban most cellphones, Apple Watches, Fitbits and more

#29

Post by veunes »

trte9343r4 wrote: post #15
Valodim wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not to diminish your fear of dogs, but that hardly seems like the core point to discuss about such a hugely consequential policy.

Many kids walk around on their own, and phone is absolutely essential communication tool. School simply has no right to interfere here.

It is all to create a focused learning environment
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