Cell Phone Policy For In-Person Experiences

Rationale

• As Waldorf educators, we are concerned about the effects that cell phones have on the development of today’s children and teenagers.  
• Americans spend an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes on their phone every day, with Gen Z leading the pack with an average of 6.5 hours per day on their phone.
• In a report regarding cell phone usage in 2025: 
  • Americans check their phones an average of 186 times a day.
  • More than half of the adults surveyed said they have never gone a full 24 hours without their phone.  
  • 75% of U.S. adults say they would be uncomfortable leaving home without their cell phone.
• A study posted by the CDC found “Teenagers with higher non-schoolwork screen use were more likely to engage infrequently in physical activity, and also to have weight concerns, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, infrequent social and emotional support, insufficient peer support, and an irregular sleep routine.”

Our Hope

• With our in-person experiences, we wish to create the best atmosphere for everyone to connect with one another.  Cell phone use can detract from this goal.
• By taking a break from your cell phone (or greatly reducing your cell phone time) for a few days, you have the opportunity to engage in person with other students that you usually only see on the computer.  This unplugged interactive time together will allow you to reflect on your cell phone use, and improve your cell phone habits when you return home.

Practical Details

• Questionnaire.  Before arriving onsite, students will fill out a “Student Cell Phone Questionnaire”, where they will specify what they agree to regarding cell phone use.  This questionnaire is found below.
• Agreement.  At in-person events, we may begin with a meeting with students and teachers/chaperones where we create a consensus agreement around cell phone use.
• Basic Etiquette. Students should not use a cell phone and/or earbuds while together in a group, such as in a classroom, during meals, at a performance/ceremony, or when gathered together socializing.
• Photos.  We realize that people may wish to have photos from their time together.  We will be sure that there are appointed photographers (teachers and/or students) that can share plenty of photos.
• Music.  In general, when around others, students should not be listening to music, either with earbuds or a speaker.  There may be times when permission is granted to listen to music as a group using a speaker.  We encourage students to play and share their own live music (singing, violin, piano, guitar, etc.).
• Communication.  We realize that students without their family may need to communicate with friends and family back home.  However, in order to be fully present, it may be best to keep these communications to a minimum.  Students without a cell phone may use a teacher’s (or chaperone’s) phone, or a computer, to contact friends/family.
• Unplugged.  In order to be as unplugged as possible, students should also limit their time on other devices (laptops, etc.) to what is only essential, such as school work, and necessary communication.  
• Adults.  We realize that adults (parents, teachers, alumni, etc.) present for our in-person experiences may need to spend some time on their cell phones and other devices, but they should also do their best to be as “unplugged” as possible, especially when around our students.
• Questions.  If you have questions or concerns about this cell phone policy, please contact us.