Within the past year, states such as Indiana, Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana have enacted legislation banning cellphones in schools. The legislation hopes to enhance classroom discipline and academic outcomes. State officials have argued that cell phones can be a significant source of distraction, diverting students’ attention away from their studies.
In Florida, the state’s new law reflects concerns about cell phones facilitating cheating. The Florida Department of Education has noted that restricting cell phone use can help create a more focused and orderly learning environment.
“I feel like it should first be up to the students to stay off their phone, and if they keep using them, then only after that should we have to put them in phone pockets, especially in the older grades,” said senior Juliana Dommel.
Opposingly, South Carolina’s ban is designed to support teachers in managing classroom dynamics. According to the South Carolina Department of Education, cell phones can detract from student engagement and disrupt the learning process. The state’s policy is intended to help maintain a disciplined classroom atmosphere, enabling students to concentrate more on their education.
Similarly, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been considering a ban on cell phones in schools. Her potential proposal reflects ongoing discussions about the role of technology in education and the impact of cell phones on student academic performance. Governor Hochul’s consideration is motivated by the desire to increase student focus and reduce disruptions in the classroom. As of now, no final decision has been made, but her consideration indicates a growing interest in regulating cell phone usage in educational settings across the country.
If passed, New York would join several states that have already enacted laws banning or restricting students’ use of cell phones statewide or allowing local districts to create their own policies, according to an analysis by Education Week.
“I think it is for the greater good of the students. It is the responsibility of students to stay off their phones during class to stay focused on learning, ” said junior Matthew Lee.
Additionally, Los Angeles school districts in California and some Texas School districts are phasing out cell phones. The two state governments are in the early stages of discussing measures to address cell phone usage in schools. The proposed plan would mandate that schools collect students’ devices, which could be stored in individual pouches, shared drop boxes, or other methods deemed appropriate, as explained by education officials to the city Panel for Educational Policy, according to the Daily News.
Another proposal in Kentucky suggests that schools should restrict screen time for students, no matter the teaching method or device used. According to this legislation, students in grades K-1 would be limited to 30 minutes of screen use a day, while older students would be allotted gradually increasing limits, with a maximum of two hours for those in grades 9-12.
“Phone bans in school are harmful because phones are a means of staying connected with family and friends, and banning them makes it harder for students to communicate in emergencies or during free periods,” said senior Emma Goldberg.
Opinions on the cell phone bans vary among students and teachers. Some students argue that cell phones are crucial for communication and learning. They assert that phones can be used for educational purposes, such as accessing information and organizing assignments. Many teachers support the bans, citing benefits related to improved focus and fewer disruptions. Teachers have observed that when cell phones are not allowed in the classroom, students are more attentive and engaged in their studies. Additionally, cell phone bans in schools could have some other positive effects, such as helping students with screen addictions in and out of school, and force students to interact with each other more, giving them the opportunity to be more social and make friends.
As states explore potential regulations, the debate continues regarding how best to balance the benefits and challenges of cell phone usage in educational settings.