Many parents are feeling a wave of anxiety over the ban on cell phones in schools. This is understandable as cell phones offer us a sense of security that we can reach our children at any time. Losing that instant ability to connect can feel unsettling. But while we may feel uncertain about this new reality, we can also learn from it, adapting our communication habits and shifting our perspective to focus on the positive potential outcomes. If you’re feeling anxious about this transition, you’re not alone. Here are three ways to help ease your concerns and better prepare for a phone-free school year. 

1. Address Concerns with Communication

Let's start by naming what anxiety is. Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear about an unknown or potential event. Because it has to do with the unknown, it's not always based on reality. Without cell phones and the ability to instantly reach our children, how will we know they’re safe? The first step to easing these concerns is to become informed.

Most schools already have long-standing emergency protocols in place, and they’ve been trained in them for years. Understanding the various policies and procedures around communicating with our children can help us feel more prepared and reassured. To make sure you’re in the know, consider the following:

• What information has the school sent out about communication in light of the cell phone ban? Review any letters, emails or other communication that have already been sent.
• Are the policies and procedures clear? If you still have questions, reach out to the school to learn how you’ll be notified in case of an emergency and whether the school has specific communication tools like newsletters, apps or an alert system.
• Is your contact information up to date? Check with the school to make sure they have the correct information so they can quickly reach you if needed. 
• How will you communicate with the school in non-emergency situations? Request information about how students can contact parents during the school day and vice versa. Ask for a list of contacts and if they prefer to be reached by phone or email.

Once all this information has been gathered, discuss it with your kids and make a plan together so they know how to reach you for any reason. This sudden change in how we communicate may feel jarring at first, but it’s also a chance to create more intentional communication habits. You might find that some of these habits even translate to how children and parents connect with each other at home.

2. Shift Your Perspective 

Shifting how we think about the way we communicate with our kids is just one of the potential outcomes of the cell phone ban. While there are many reasons to feel anxious, it’s helpful to focus on some of the potentially positive outcomes that could come from the ban as well. Try reframing the situation. The cell phone ban has the power to lead to better learning outcomes, social interactions and increased mental health. Whatever we shine a light on is what we’re going to see clearly. Talk to your kids about the cell phone ban and ask them questions:

• What could be some positive outcomes? 
• Are there any positive effects that they are already seeing?
• How might the ban help them academically?
• What are the social implications?
• How might limiting cell phone use benefit their mental health?

We know that the primary purpose of school is for children to learn. Allowing cell phones in the classroom has been shown to interfere with this learning. One benefit of the ban could be a decrease in distractions that lead to better focus. A phone-free environment could also encourage kids to have more face-to-face interactions with their peers, improving their social skills. The reduced screen time and exposure to things like social media, cyberbullying and comparison culture could also have a positive effect on students' overall mental health.

3. Practice Self-Care and Model Resilience

Remember, children look to us to model behavior. If we focus on the positive aspects of the cell phone ban, it will help them approach the change more positively, too.

Start with self-talk. Notice if the messages you’re giving yourself are rooted in reality or fear. When we pay attention to the way we talk to ourselves and understand where our anxiety is coming from, we can shift our perspective toward the things we can control, like staying informed, focusing on the positive outcomes and supporting our children through uncertainty.

It can also be helpful to talk about our concerns. Connect with other parents, friends and family members who are going through the same thing. Find activities to participate in that help you relax and stay grounded. When we find ourselves focusing on what could go wrong, mindful breathing exercises can help manage anxiety. And if you’re still finding it hard to cope, consider reaching out to a mental health professional to help guide you through this new normal.

While it may be challenging, we are capable of adapting and cultivating new skills. With the advent of cell phones and advances in technology, we learned how to communicate in a world that is constantly connected. Now we can also adapt to this new reality of sending our kids to school without their devices.

Change is never easy, especially when it involves something as important as communicating with our children. But by staying informed, having a positive outlook and taking care of ourselves, we can ease our anxiety and better help our children through this transition.