How One Small School Policy Makes a Lifetime of Difference
Drive past any bus stop, and you’ll see it. In the dim early morning light, kids wait for their bus to take them to school.
But it’s not the boisterous and joyful social scene you might imagine when children gather together. Instead, those children are standing in a row, heads bowed over a glowing phone screen.
“This is how children are growing up,” said Nancy Schuler, head of Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia. “I see it every morning at every bus stop I pass on my way to work. It brings tears to my eyes, wondering what’s going to happen to those children and this country.”
Westminster School’s Policy on Phones and Screen Time
At Westminster School, the phone policy is clear: Students are prohibited from having phones on their person or turned on during the school day. This policy extends to before-school and after-school activities, including riding the bus.
It’s not just phones. At Westminster School, screen time is limited. Students work on iPads or computers when it adds value to the lesson or enhances the learning environment. However, in many cases, screens are not part of the learning experience.
The Data Doesn’t Lie: Concerning Facts about Screen Use
Screen time in young children is linked to developmental delays. This includes oral communication, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and social skills. For older children, the risks are no less severe. Extended screen time in children and adolescents has been linked to various mental and physical difficulties.
In America, most schools hesitate to ban phones due to the inability to enforce them. However, countries in Europe are more in line with Westminster’s policies. These phone policies have improved student behavior by reducing student distractions and increasing their focus.
Why the Westminster School Screen Time Policy Matters
Even among private schools, Westminster School is unique in its dedication to resisting excessive screen time for young children.
Why does this matter so much to the school, staff, and family members?
Looking someone confidently in the eye and shaking their hand goes a long way toward making a favorable first impression. With these skills, students become active and regular participants in the workforce and community.
“One of our Westminster graduates recently graduated from college and was hired for the first job to which he applied. He’s always been personable and hardworking, and he made a great impression at the job interview,” said Schuler. “That’s Westminster. Westminster gave him that confidence to be who he is, and today, it’s paying off.”
United in One Mission: What Sets Westminster School Apart
At Westminster, everyone works together to help raise the Westminster students to be the best versions of themselves. That common mission approach leads to camaraderie, genuine friendship, and a shared devotion to raising the next generation.
“Parents are excited for their children to grow up in an environment where they can learn how to interact, be well educated, and be charismatic,” said Jori Sapper, director of admissions at Westminster School. “But they’re also excited for their children to go out into the world and make it better someday. Not just for themselves but for humanity. That’s the power of a unified mission.”
If you value education above all else and want to be a part of this important mission at Westminster, reach out today. We’re excited to meet you and start the conversation!
