Schools in Missoula are encouraging phone-free classes

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – Missoula Public Health, in collaboration with a local parent group called Smartphone Free Schools, is presenting two documentaries in consecutive weeks about the mental health of young people in this digital age.

I spoke to Peggy Schmidt about the 5210 Let’s Move! spoken. Missoula Coordinator at Missoula Public Health on the problem of teenagers and their increasing online use, where she praised the work of Smartphone Free Schools.

Missoula Public Health is working with the group Smartphone Free Schools

“There’s a parent group in Missoula called Smartphone Free Schools,” Schmidt began. “I think they have 200 people in their group, or at least on their mailing list, and they’re working on limiting the number of hours kids spend on their phones during the school day. In fact, Hellgate High School has a new policy that went into effect this fall that is the same as Sentinel High School, so they are making a difference.”

Schmidt described the new voluntary policy at the two high schools.

Schmidt described the new voluntary smartphone policy

“At these two schools, students don’t have their phones with them, at least during class time,” she said. “You can still have them during recess and lunch, but behind the door of each classroom there is some sort of caddy that students put their phones in when they go to class. “It’s just an expectation; No one will snatch the phone out of his hand if he doesn’t. But the hope is that if all the teachers are doing it, and they have the exact same caddy and it’s just routine, it’s just kind of peer pressure that everyone will just do it.”

Schmidt described the two films, which will be shown in consecutive weeks starting Thursday, October 24th.

READ MORE: Governor calls for schools without cell phones, Missoula responds

Two “Screenagers” films will be shown in consecutive weeks

“We’re doing these two films,” she said. “One is this Thursday the 24th at 6:30 p.m. in the Sentinel High School auditorium. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Then there is free pizza, vegetables and popcorn. The mission is free. The film starts at 6:30 p.m. and is called “Screenagers; Under the influence. This film explores the impact of our digital age on teen decision-making.”

Schmidt announced details of the second film, which will air on Monday, November 4, also at 6:30 p.m., this time at Big Sky High School Auditorium.

“The next film is called Screenagers; “Next Chapter,” she said, “It follows physician and filmmaker Delaney Rustin as she searches for solutions to improve stress, anxiety and depression among youth in the digital age, followed by a panel discussion.” There are really good ones in both films Segments where we can talk about solutions, for example: “What can we do to help children with their mental health in the digital age?”

Find out more about Smartphone Free Schools here.