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OXFORD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Dep. Justin D. Onofrio SRO RSU 56
Greetings Dirigo,
I have been asked to provide a statement from my perspective as a law enforcement officer in
regards to student cell phone use in and during school hours. My role within this district is
unique and offers first hand experience to the impact cell phones have on academics and
individual mental health. The consistent and incredibly dynamic evolution of technology dictates
that we adapt and meet the new challenges that arise from change.
There are documented pros and cons to allowing cell phone use by students. If one could
guarantee that cellphones would be used for academic purposes, they could be extremely
advantageous. However, according to a 2020 research paper by the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA) reports that cell phone use among middle and high school students
is negatively associated with children’s academic and social-emotional outcomes. Dirigo is not
an exception. It would be difficult to reflect on the bullying, harassment, online threatening, and
other challenging behavior that occurs...without automatically connecting many of the elements
to in school cell phone use.
From a law enforcement perspective, cyberbullying and emotional distress over unmitigated
social media discourse can cause real health and safety problems. For example, increased
anxiety, self harm and depression. In addition, these issues can lead to an inability to focus and
serve as a distraction to the school learning environment. According to the National School
Safety and Security Services, cell phone use during a crisis can create a less safe school
emergency response. The use of cell phones can accelerate the unintentional, and even
intentional, spread of misinformation, rumors, and fear. This can adversely affect public safety
first responders.
For these reasons above, it is my opinion as a Law Enforcement Officer, but more importantly as
the individual who you have trusted to help keep your students safe at school, that this new
policy will only enhance safety and empower our kids to be the best version of themselves. It’s a
team effort and as always I encourage the community to contact me via email or phone with any
questions, comments or observations.
Respectfully,
Deputy Justin D. Onofrio
Oxford County Sheriff’s Office
RSU 56 SRO