A Teacher’s Fear Became a Deeper Conversation

Jul 21

S.N.A.P. Coaching Framework

About the S.N.A.P. Method™ : The S.N.A.P. Method™ is a reflective framework created for teachers navigating the real world.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

“Lead with wisdom. Set boundaries with grace. And teach in a way that helps others grow, not just in knowledge, but in character. For love is the foundation of every lasting relationship.”

Why I Wrote Part Two

Over the weekend, I bumped into a fellow teacher at the gym, and she took a moment to chat about the article I wrote last week on cell phones and the FOCUS Act. As we shared, she revealed something that really surprised me: her anxiety It wasn’t about enforcing the rule itself, but about having to explain it to her older students... and even more so, to their parents. I could see the genuine concern in her eyes as she mentioned the questions and pushback she was already preparing for.

I hugged her and said a few words of encouragement, but the conversation stayed with me. It reminded me that policies alone don’t create peace; people do. And behind every new rule is a human trying to implement it with care.

That conversation motivated me to write a second part of this discussion, not just to restate the policy, but to address the emotions, concerns, and what we can all do moving forward.

Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student feeling the weight of this shift, this one’s for you.

A Look Back: Simpler Times, Newer Challenges

I remember the days when cell phones weren’t even a thought, let alone something students carried in their backpacks. Growing up, I had a pager, and if my mom needed me, I had to find a payphone and hope I had a quarter. Simpler times, in some ways, but not necessarily safer.

Now, I’m not just an educator; I’m a parent of a high schooler, and I experience the tension between safety and structure firsthand.

Understanding the FOCUS Act

It’s important to clarify: students are still allowed to bring their cell phones to school. However, under the FOCUS Act, they are not permitted to use or display them during instructional time unless it is for educational purposes or in the case of an emergency.

The law isn't about banning phones entirely; it’s about encouraging students to keep their focus during class by limiting phone use. This way, students can enjoy a more engaging and distraction-free learning experience.

The Heart Behind the Policy

This isn’t about punishment. This is about purpose.

The goal is to eliminate distractions so students can focus more fully on instruction, collaboration, and academic growth. Teachers across the state have expressed concerns about phones interrupting lessons, enabling cyberbullying, and increasing anxiety through constant access to social media.

By asking students to keep their phones out of reach during class, schools are working to:

Restore focus in the classroom
Rebuild attention spans
Promote face-to-face interaction and social development
Create healthier, less tech-dependent learning environments

But What About Safety?

As a mother, I want my daughter to be fully present in class, focused, engaged, and not distracted by her phone. But I also want her to be able to reach me in an emergency. Let’s not pretend those worries come from nowhere.

With ongoing reports of school violence and lockdown threats, many parents, including myself, feel uneasy about restricting phone access during the day. However, it’s important to clarify:

Students still have access to their phones in the event of a real threat or emergency.
The policy is not about removing their lifeline; it’s about removing constant distractions.

It’s a shift in structure, not a compromise on safety.

Building the Bridge: Teachers and Students

For this policy to be effective, it can’t be just a top-down mandate. It requires a partnership between families, teachers, and students. We need empathy and consistency on all sides.

What Teachers Can Do in the Classroom

1. Start with a Conversation, Not Just a Rule

Before implementing any policy, engage students in a meaningful conversation. Ask guiding questions like:

How do phones assist you throughout the day?
What are some ways they can become a distraction without you even realizing it?
What do you observe about your focus when your phone is in your hand compared to when it's put away?

Pro tip: Make this a classroom circle or journaling activity during the first week of school. Use it as an anchor conversation to set expectations around technology.

2. Model the Behavior You Expect

Students are paying attention even when we think they aren't. If we want them to put their phones down, we need to demonstrate what that looks like.

Avoid checking our own phones during instruction.
Be fully present during class discussions.
Reference moments when you resist distractions and choose to focus.

3. Create Clear Routines for Phone Use

Don’t leave expectations vague. Make it clear when and how phones should be stored.

Ideas include:

A “phone home” zone in the classroom
Storage pouches labeled with student numbers
Visual reminders: "Phones away, eyes on me"

Consistency builds trust. Students may not initially love the structure, but they’ll grow to rely on it.

4. Give Students Ownership and Responsibility

Involve students in designing the routine or setting the tone.

Create a “Why Focus Matters” poster together
Assign a weekly student “Tech Ambassador”
Set screen-free engagement goals as a group

When students feel a sense of ownership, accountability follows.

5. Celebrate Moments of True Focus

Catch students doing it right. Praise the moments when they:

Engage in meaningful discussion
Respectfully redirect a peer
Put their phone away without being asked

Small affirmations reinforce that this isn’t just about compliance; it’s about community.

Teachers + Parents = Partnership

We don’t need more conflict over rules; we need collaboration based on trust and shared responsibility. When students hear the same message at school and at home, boundaries become clearer, and resistance decreases.

Educators can:

Clearly explain the policy as a tool for growth.
Offer scheduled phone breaks, such as lunch, when appropriate.
Build relationships that make students feel seen and safe.

Parents can:

Reinforce the “why” at home.
Set clear expectations for phone use.
Communicate with teachers and administrators rather than only texting your child.

Together, we can:

Teach balance and boundaries.
Emphasize that safety relies on trust, not just technology.
Model calm, constructive conversations about policies.

Moving Beyond the Rule to What Matters Most

Change is difficult, especially when it involves something as personal as our children and their sense of security. However, when we understand the purpose behind the policy, we can shift from frustration and anxiety to a more proactive approach.

We want our students to succeed not only academically but also emotionally and socially. That requires schools to focus not just on test scores but on overall child development, community, and safety.

This policy may represent a major change, but with understanding, effective communication, and a common goal, it can be a positive step forward.

Let’s do this together.

What are your thoughts?