MCS Joins Top Institutions to Study Student Cellphone Initiative Impact

Marietta, GA —Marietta City Schools is collaborating with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University to study the real-world impacts of its recently implemented cellphone initiative on student well-being and academic performance.

This collaboration follows the successful launch of the cellphone initiative on the first day of school, August 1, requiring students at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) and Marietta Middle School (MMS) to secure their phones in pouches throughout the school day. The initiative, designed to reduce distractions and support mental health, has already been met with positive feedback from students, parents, and staff.

"This is about understanding how we can create the best possible environment for students to thrive, both academically and emotionally," said Marietta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera. "This collaboration not only helps us implement best practices but also provides the research needed to truly understand how our policies impact student well-being and academic success. We’re committed to leading the way in creating a balanced educational environment that prepares our students for success in every aspect of their lives."

This work with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University will involve collecting and analyzing data from students, teachers, and parents to assess the initiative's effectiveness. Key areas of focus will include:

● Academic Performance: Evaluating changes in students’ academic engagement and performance as a result of reduced device distractions.

● Mental Health and Well-being: Assessing the impact of decreased screen time on students' mental health, including anxiety levels, social interaction, and overall emotional well-being.

● Parental and Community Feedback: Gathering insights from parents and the broader community to understand how the policy is perceived and how it affects family dynamics regarding digital device usage.

“Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is honored to collaborate with Marietta City Schools in researching the effects of reduced device distractions on student well-being and academic success,” said Marc Welsh, VP, Child Advocacy & Chief Diversity Officer, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “In addition to our research efforts, we are dedicated to providing resources for caregivers and parents to support their children in balancing technology use with academic and emotional well-being."

The long-term goal of this collaboration is to provide actionable insights that can be shared with educational institutions nationwide. MCS is committed to transparency and plans to share the findings with both local and national educational leaders to contribute to the broader discussion on managing the impact of technology in schools.

Julie Gazmararian, PhD, a professor of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, has been analyzing the impact of the Marietta City Schools’ cell phone policy.

“Early feedback suggests this program is having a tremendous influence on improving students’ focus in the classroom while also fostering increased interpersonal interactions throughout the rest of the school day,” Gazmararian said. “With so much attention being paid to the negative impacts of social media, Marietta City Schools’ program could be a model that other public schools will soon follow.”

MCS will continue to provide resources for families to help them navigate the challenges of managing digital use at home. For more information about the cellphone initiative, please visit our FAQ page.