Thriving Together | St. Edmund's Academy

List of 10 items.

• Why are we required to have our children’s phones stored during the school day?

  At St. Edmund’s Academy, we believe that securely storing phones during the school day allows students to fully engage in learning, develop meaningful relationships, and focus on personal growth without distractions. This decision supports our commitment to high standards in all endeavors and respects the needs of the entire learning community by creating an environment where students can thrive without the distracting influence of personal mobile technology.

• What if I disagree with the policy and want my child to keep their phone during the day for safety reasons?

  We understand the importance of feeling connected with your child. Our system ensures that any student who needs to contact their family during the day can do so safely through their teacher or the front office. Our primary responsibility is to create a focused and engaging environment free from unnecessary distractions, and by collecting phones and personal smart devices, we allow children to focus on their learning while still providing secure lines of communication when necessary.

• How will my child receive urgent messages from me if they don’t have their phone with them?

  If you need to reach your child during the school day, simply call the front office, and we will ensure that your message is delivered promptly. This system keeps communication open while maintaining an environment that promotes academic focus and personal interaction without the constant interruptions phones can create.

• Why can't my child use social media before age 16? Isn’t it part of social life today?

  Social media presents unique challenges for young adolescents. By delaying its introduction, we allow students to develop essential social skills in person first, helping them build a strong sense of self and resilience before engaging with the often complex world of online interactions. This decision aligns with our Core Value of taking responsibility for one’s own conduct and helps students develop the maturity needed to use social media responsibly.

• What if my child needs a smartphone for extracurricular activities or after-school plans?

  While students will not have access to their phones during the school day, they will be returned at the end of the day. This allows families to communicate about after-school activities or changes in plans without interrupting the learning environment. We encourage families to plan ahead, reducing the need for phone use during school hours.

• How will the school handle emergencies if students don’t have access to their phones?

  St. Edmund’s Academy has comprehensive safety protocols in place to handle emergencies. In the event of an emergency, the school will communicate directly with families, and students will be cared for by our trained staff. The removal of phones actually enhances safety by ensuring that all students are focused on following the instructions of school staff rather than distracted by personal devices.

• Isn’t technology an important part of learning? Why are we limiting access to devices?

  Technology certainly plays a crucial role in education, and we fully embrace its value in the right context. However, we also believe in balancing digital use with real-world experiences that promote social, emotional, and cognitive development. By removing phones, we prioritize deeper engagement with classroom activities and personal interactions, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than detracts from, their educational experience.

• How does this policy support St. Edmund’s Academy’s focus on character development?

  Our phone policy directly aligns with our Core Values by teaching students to be respectful of others' needs, responsible for their conduct, and focused on personal excellence. By limiting distractions, we encourage students to set high standards for themselves, build meaningful relationships, and develop the self-discipline needed to thrive academically and socially.

• Will students be able to use iPads or computers during the day for academic purposes?

  Yes, students will continue to use iPads and computers for educational activities that support their learning. The key difference is that these devices are used under supervision for specific purposes, such as research, writing, or creative projects. This ensures that technology serves as a tool for academic growth rather than a distraction.

• How can I be sure my child won’t feel left out socially if they’re not allowed to use their phone?

  We know that peer pressure and social norms around phones are real challenges. However, our school community is united in creating an environment where students can build strong in-person connections without the need for constant digital interaction. By collectively following these guidelines, we reduce the pressure on individual students and support a culture where personal relationships are prioritized over online ones. 
  
  

  This Thriving Together initiative, along with our revised Technology Agreement, is designed to create a community where children can grow, learn, and connect with one another in meaningful ways—both on and off the screen. By working together, we are empowering our students to become responsible, well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex world.