Friends, we may have a challenging year ahead of us. I know we all expect this adjustment to be difficult for our kids, but moms, have you prepared for how difficult the bell-to-bell ban could be for you too?
This upcoming school year, a statewide law has been passed that will prohibit the use of phones and smart devices during the school day. Growing evidence suggests that banning phones in schools can lead to increased academic performance, especially for at-risk students.
Now hear me out on this . . . our children have stolen our childhood fashion, our hairstyles, our makeup, and even our music! Finally, a chance to fully immerse themselves in a true throwback to the 90s and early 00s—living without cell phones. Penmanship and gel pens are about to be on the rise again. Are your origami note-folding skills dusted off yet?
We (the Oregon Trail generation) have our own warrior story. We will no longer speak of walking uphill barefoot five miles in freezing temperatures to get to school. Our story consists of passing notes in class and not getting caught, memorizing ALL of our friends’ phone numbers, waiting until we got home to find out the “411” for the day, and best of all, having to use real words from our mouths to catch up with our friends in between class and at lunch time. Funny, but also terrifying.
Now, I know for some moms of littles, this isn’t even a concern . . . yet. But one day, faster than any of us like to admit, your babies will grow. No cellphones in school will be a bridge you’ll have to cross when you get there. For the mamas that are on the frontlines this school year, here are some tips to make this transition and change as painless as possible.
Make sure your school has up-to-date contact information.
In a world where landlines are a thing of the past, contact information often changes. Always update any changed information. Ensure that anytime anything is changed for a parent or emergency contact, you update that information. Be sure the school has an alternate way to reach you. Some good ideas would be a work phone number, email, or even a landline . . . if you are still lucky enough to have one!
Don’t be afraid to call the school!
Trust me, making phone calls is not a favorite for me and causes more anxiety than it should. But I say to you, mama, swallow that fear and don’t hesitate to call the school’s main office. Just because we will be living bell to bell with no cell does not mean you won’t have access to your children. If you need to relay a message or ask a question, don’t feel bad—just call. Teachers, support staff, and administration are preparing for this change and are there to help this transition. Stay confident and know that we are all on this wild ride together.
Find out if your school has a communication app.
If your school has an app for communication, try moving that to your home screen and turning on notifications to make sure you are getting any important updates, whether it is from teachers or the school directly. In a case of emergency or just for basic information, this is always good to have.
Get EVERYONE’S information.
For the mamas out there dealing with anxiety about this new law, this is for you. Having the school’s information is an obvious solution, but there are some other steps we can take. Think of everyone: other parents, your children’s friends, coaches, choir teachers, neighbors, you get it. Think of everyone who interacts with your children, so you will feel more confident about reaching them. Give them your number and get theirs! I encourage you to do what makes you feel the most secure during this first year.
And of course, how do you prepare a teenager to go without a smart device for seven hours a day?
I have been trying to figure this out since last year. Just like anything else we use in excess, it can cause chaos when you quit abruptly. For that very reason, I approached this transition slowly. Start with one hour of no phone for a few days, and then add an hour for the days following. You get the point!
Moms, if you are in a position to do so, showing support is great. Consider putting your phone away for an hour with your child to make them feel less alone. What you do with that time is up to you, but I promise, memories will be made.
I encourage all the mamas out there to take mental notes or keep a little journal. Ask yourself some simple questions. Have behaviors changed for the good or for the bad? Are you connecting with your child? Do you notice anything positive or negative that has come from this year’s test period? You will have a voice after the first year when the law will be able to be modified by each school district.
Just remember to breathe and have patience . . . with everyone, but most importantly yourself. This will be an adjustment for everyone and will help pave the way for school years to come.
