Students weigh in on Thetford Academy’s new cellphone-free policy

THETFORD, Vt. (WCAX) - With no statewide policy for cellphone use in schools, individual districts are coming up with policies of their own. That includes Thetford Academy which enacted new rules this year.

We are just a couple weeks into the new school year but the new cellphone policy at Thetford Academy is already having a big impact.

During the school day, you will not see a cellphone on campus at Thetford Academy.

"Initially, I wasn't a huge fan of it," said senior Maya Dixon.

"It was definitely different not being able to check it between classes, or when you use the bathroom, something like that," said senior Dempsey McGovern.

In past years, phones were only banned in the classroom. But this year, they are locked away all day, in magnetic pouches which were given to all seventh through 12th graders on the first day of school.

"I have to do it and there is no reason to be angry about it because that won't get me anywhere," said senior Oliver Ransom.

The kids say it's a noticeable difference.

"Instead of texting my friend or telling them something over my phone, I go and physically tell them," Dixon said.

"Definitely at lunch, there are a lot more conversations going on when we are not on our phones or showing each other videos," McGovern said.

"We are really just trying to embrace being together," said Head of School, Carrie Brennan.

The no-phone policy was announced this summer after a community group expressed concern about students' well-being and the potential long-term effects of phones on their mental health.

"And one of them said, 'Actually, it's a huge relief.' And she paused and she said, 'I can breathe,'" Brennan said.

Without phones, some were concerned about emergencies and the convenience of scheduling. But teachers say families are planning in advance and phone calls to the front desk are always an option.

"You know you are letting go of control," Brennan said.

"I think about it less and less every day. It's just kind of normal routine," Ransom said.

At the end of the day, the magnetic pouches are unlocked and the kids can once again access their devices. While some immediately plugged back into their screens, another group stood in a circle and continued their conversations from earlier in the day.

"It just consumes you in a way you don't really realize until it is away from you," Dixon said.

The Legislature in Montpelier will once again be taking a closer look at the issue on a statewide level this January.