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Mind Over Mobile

Mind over Mobile

The Bremerton School District recognizes that the school day is a critical time for students to engage deeply in learning, build meaningful in-person relationships, and fully participate in the school community.

New Expectations

Research shows that excessive phone use and social media distractions can significantly impede students' ability to focus, retain information, and develop essential social skills. By implementing a phone- and social media-free environment, we are fostering an atmosphere where students can be fully present, reduce anxiety linked to online interactions, and thrive academically and socially without the pervasive pressures of digital devices.

This fall, our secondary schools implemented new expectations for mobile device use. This change will help students stay focused and free from the distractions and pressures of digital devices during the school day.

  • Deepen their understanding of subjects
  • Strengthen connections with peers and teachers
  • Develop essential communication and collaboration skills``
  • Explore their creativity and passions
     

Mind Over Mobile

As a District, we are calling this important initiative "Mind Over Mobile." Bremerton High School, Renaissance High School, and Mountain View Middle School have shared their specific Mind Over Mobile expectations (see links below) with students and parents, which took effect on the first day of school. We recognize that adjusting will take time and are committed to supporting students during this transition.

Thank you for your support as we work together to build a safe, productive, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

View Expectations

  • Remember: Focus on Phones Off
  • Now entering: No phone zone
  • Stow your devices
  • Put devices away (srsly)

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Cell phones (both phones that connect to the internet and non-internet connected phones that send and receive text messages, and/or make phone calls)
    • Personal electronic devices such as electronic tablets and video games
    • Airpods and Bluetooth or wired headphones or earbuds
    • Smart watches

  • School security* experts say phones can make children less safe in crisis situations for the following reasons:

    • Student use of cell phones during an unfolding emergency can distract their attention from safety and emergency response directions being given by school staff.
    • Cell phone use by students can hamper rumor control and, in doing so, disrupt and delay effective public safety personnel response.
    • Cell phone use by students can impede public safety response by accelerating parental and community arrival at the scene of an emergency during times when officials may be attempting to evacuate students to another site.
    • Victims and worried family members trying to call their children can jam communications, interfering with first responders.

    *Source

  • Parents and/or guardians who need to contact their student during the school day may do so by calling the main office. Contacting your child via their cell phone during the school day distracts them from their studies and the needed in-person interaction with their teachers and peers. By having 24/7 access, we prevent growth opportunities that our children need educationally, socially, and developmentally. If students text their parents every time they have a question, they miss the opportunity to think for themselves and develop problem solving skills.  Parents may contact students on their mobile devices after school is out (see school hours). 

  • If the student needs to contact their parent or guardian during the school day, a phone will be available in the main office.

    Education experts believe students need to be given independence from their parents or guardians during the school day to develop foundational skills. Constant contact can fuel a cycle of anxiety for both students and parents. Research shows encouraging independence fosters a child’s self-confidence, resilience, problem-solving ability, and mental health.

  • We will follow all IEP/504 and health plans as written.

Research & Resources

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