During a recent government meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the district's smart device policy, particularly its impact on K-12 students. Parents expressed frustration over the inconsistent enforcement of the current policy, which aims to maintain a device-free environment in schools. One parent, Kyle, highlighted the confusion surrounding the boundaries and consequences for students found with personal devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches. He urged the district to establish a clear, district-wide policy with standardized consequences to support teachers and inform parents.

Kyle pointed out that recent communications from school officials have lacked specific guidelines regarding personal device usage, leading to varying interpretations within the community. He emphasized the importance of a focused learning environment and referenced alarming statistics about the negative effects of smart devices on students' mental health. He encouraged the district to look to neighboring District 303, which has successfully implemented effective policies through collaboration with parents and students.

Another parent, Stephanie Amore, echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal connection to the issue through her children's struggles with mental health. She advocated for a phone-free school environment, citing principles from the book \"The Anxious Generation,\" which discusses the detrimental effects of smartphones and social media on youth mental health. Amore presented alarming statistics showing a significant rise in mental health issues among teens since the introduction of smartphones, including increases in depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

Both parents called for a community-wide discussion on the importance of limiting smartphone use among younger students and fostering a healthier environment for children. Their testimonies reflect a growing concern among parents about the impact of technology on education and mental well-being, urging the district to take decisive action in addressing these challenges.