Let’s Talk About It: Balancing Screentime

This school year, the Mounds View school district has implemented a new cell phone policy. This policy prohibits cell phone use during academic class time and assemblies for all students. 

Elementary students should not access phones at all during school hours, while secondary (middle and high school) students may use phones during non-academic, unscheduled times like lunch and passing periods. The policy was developed with community input, including parents, students, and staff, to ensure phones are stored out of sight during instruction. 

Some may be asking, “why does this matter”?  Well-for those of us who work in the school setting we can confidently say that having policies around cell phone use is needed and welcomed. There are so many studies that support limited/phone free school days and the science is clear about why this matters. Having a structured policy can improve students’ mental health, increase learning, and help with gaining a sense of belonging while also reducing bullying. The benefits are being documented globally. In the Netherlands, a recent study compared schools before and after adopting away-for-the-day policies and found that the majority of students reported their social lives had improved. One terrific resource loaded with information is the Screenagers Blog.  Grab a cup of coffee and spend some time looking around!  There is some great information, parental support, and guidance on how to navigate screen time and cell phone use!

Some of you may be aware that our student support team has been hosting Screenagers Elementary Edition screenings—a powerful resource designed to help students, parents, caregivers, and educators build mindful, healthy habits around technology use while deepening connection and emotional well-being. We have one last viewing at Chippewa Middle School on November 12th. There will also be resource tables and a panel discussion following the screening and dinner! Panel members will include deans, school-based therapists, and a local pediatrician.  We are hosting 3 screenings :

• November 5 - Highview
• November 12 - Edgewood
• November 19 - Chippewa

No matter your child’s age or grade, this documentary will give you the opportunity to gain some insight into the challenges of too much screen time as well as give you permission to make decisions that are best for your family and child.

We hope to see you (if we haven’t already) at the last screening on November 19, 2025.  

Be assured that the Student Support Team (studentsupport@mvpschools.org) is here to help you navigate by offering resources and support when it comes to mental health and substance use issues.  Connecting with your student’s dean is also a great first step! 

As always, our hope is that you have enough information at your fingertips to help your student and if given the opportunity, you can say, “Let’s Talk About It”!  The Student Support Team is always available if you have questions.

Colleen O’Neil, LADC
Mounds View Chemical Health Prevention Specialist
651-829-4708
colleen.o’neil@mvpschools.org

Julia Geigle, MSW, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist
612-790-4928
julia.geigle@mvpschools.org

Chad Jayasekera, MA, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist 
651-212-5291
chad.jayasekera@mvpschools.org