No Cell Phones at School - Technology's Continued Impact on Our BES Family

Dear Bethel Families,
Thank you for your continued support of teaching and learning throughout the first quarter. As we approach the next progress reporting period, I feel compelled to revisit a topic I addressed both this summer and last school year. Please take a few moments to read this message in its entirety, as student cell phone use will be impacted beginning Monday, November 17, 2025. I also ask that you discuss this information with your children as you deem appropriate.

Over the past several weeks, we have observed a noticeable increase in concerning behaviors—most commonly among our 4th and 5th grade students, though occasionally in younger grades as well. These include:

• Sleepiness and difficulty staying awake
• Use of inappropriate language (on the playground, in the cafeteria, on the bus, and in shared documents)
• Tardiness
• Difficulty regulating emotions or “resetting” after minor frustrations
• Sharing inappropriate verbal or digital content, including on the bus or at recess
• Lack of focus and inability to complete tasks in a reasonable time
• Difficulty engaging in appropriate play and communication with peers

When we talk with students about what might be contributing to these issues, one consistent theme emerges: technology use at home.

Students share that they struggle to fall asleep and often watch TV or play on devices late into the night “while my parents are asleep.” They report playing online games for hours, often with strangers—sometimes adults—who use explicit or inappropriate language in chat features.
As shared previously, students have self-reported exposure to:

• Inappropriate content on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms
• Sexualized or profane language and racial slurs
• Excessive, unsupervised screen time
• Private browsing to conceal activity from adults
• Explicit material accessed through gaming systems

I strongly encourage our Bethel families to reflect on the impact of technology on our children. Each year, more students arrive at school highly skilled with devices yet increasingly unable to focus, self-regulate, or engage appropriately with peers. In a significant number of behavioral investigations this year, technology use has been a common denominator.

While I cannot control what happens outside of school, I am responsible for ensuring a safe, focused, and developmentally appropriate environment within Bethel. Therefore, effective Monday, November 17, 2025, students may not bring cell phones to school.

If your child ever reports something concerning happening at school—or if you have questions—I want to know. I know every family wants the best for their child, just as we do. The influence of what students are exposed to outside of school shows up in classrooms, friendships, and even in how students view themselves.  Thank you for your partnership as we work together to protect our children’s well-being and help them stay focused on learning and growing in healthy, balanced ways. 

Julie Barbee, Principal











Sent July 29, 2025



Dear Bethel Families,

Welcome back! We’re excited to begin another joyful year of learning and growing together. As we start this school year, I want to share some important concerns we’ve heard directly from our students over the past several years regarding technology use outside of school.  Please discuss this with your children as you deem appropriate.

Over the past few years, students have self-reported exposure to:

• Inappropriate content on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms
• Sexualized language, cursing, and racial slurs
• Extended screen time, often unsupervised or with strangers in online games
• Use of private browsing to hide activity from adults 
  • K-5 students report knowing how to use their X-box to freely search the internet
• Knowledge of or access to explicit content through gaming systems

Students have also shared increased use of AI tools and chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.ai, sometimes to engage in content not appropriate for their age. These tools can be powerful, but they are not intended for unsupervised use by elementary-aged children.  For more information, please see also this district Safety Summit presentation on AI and chatbots.

We are seeing the effects of these trends in focus issues, social struggles, and emotional well-being at school. At Bethel, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. We ask for your partnership in talking with your child about how to use technology safely and responsibly.  Bethel Bengals are safe and responsible.  They do not curse and joke inappropriately.  They are leaders and show integrity.  Bethel Bengals are kind and courageous.

If your child ever reports something concerning happening at school—or if you have questions—we want to know. We know every family wants the best for their child, just as we do. The influence of what students are exposed to outside of school shows up in classrooms, friendships, and even in how students view themselves.

I value the opportunity to partner together to create a school culture that honors childhood, encourages curiosity, builds self-control, and keeps students safe—both online and in person.  If you have questions or need support in having these conversations at home this year, please reach out to your child’s teacher or to me directly. We are here to help. Thank you for all you do to support your child and our school community. Let’s make this a wonderful year!  And - please mark your calendars!!! I plan to be there and would love to see our Bengal Family!

Save the Date!  CCS First-Ever Technology Night Date: September 25, 5:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Concord High School Join us for Cabarrus County Schools’ first-ever Family Technology Night—an exciting, hands-on event designed to connect families with the digital tools their students use every day. This evening will offer opportunities to explore platforms like Google Workspace, Canvas, Clever, and Promethean boards, while also providing on-site support with student logins, parent portals, and device access. Families will have the chance to attend mini-sessions on digital citizenship, screen time, and internet safety, and connect directly with staff and tech experts. There will be interactive booths and giveaways to help make the night both informative and fun. Mark your calendars and come explore how technology is transforming learning in Cabarrus County Schools!

Julie Barbee
Principal, Bethel Elementary School