Missouri Military Academy to reevaluate cellphone policy

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Military Academy announced in a Monday press release that it is reviewing its polices about cellphone usage for students.

The academy is a boarding school for high school and middle school boys.

The press release stated the academy is looking at updating its policy due to recent studies about the effects of social media on teenagers. The press release stated MMA will conduct a survey of current parents this month to ask for their input on proposed changes to the policy. 

“The negative effects of social media use through cell phones is one of our top areas of concern for our cadets’ physical and mental health. This has become a serious discussion at the national level,” MMA President Richard Geraci said in the statement. “We believe our partnership with parents and our vigilance concerning cadets’ healthy digital habits are more important than ever for their safety and welfare.” 

MMA’s current policy allows students in good standing are allowed to bring one phone and one smartwatch to campus, according to the press release. They are required to check in their phones with their advisor on Sundays, and they can only check them out on Fridays for use during the weekend. Seniors and high-achieving cadets may be allowed to keep their phones, but only if they meet certain academic and deportment requirements.

Phones are not allowed in the academic building, at off-campus academic classes, sports practices, home games, Sunday services, or any corps activities or events, the release stated.