US States Strive to Ban Phones in Schools: A Complex Challenge
Nancy Streit, a middle-school teacher, often finds herself competing with smartphones for her students’ attention. Yet, as a mother, she recognizes their necessity in emergencies.
The Push for New Policies:
Ms. Streit, who teaches in the Los Angeles Unified School District—the second largest in the nation—sees firsthand how students often flout the no-phone rule in her classroom. This district recently joined a growing trend, implementing a ban on smartphones in schools. Major states like New York and California are considering similar statewide policies. California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to work with lawmakers to enforce a classroom ban, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul supports a comparable law. Indiana has already passed such a law, effective this autumn.
A Growing Concern:
This movement is part of a broader concern about children’s increasing dependency on digital devices, especially post-pandemic. Data from the US Department of Education indicates that 76% of schools prohibited non-academic phone use during the 2021-2022 school year. However, recent regulations aim to tighten these restrictions further.
Voices from the Classroom:
Raphaela Hodges, who teaches sixth grade in Los Angeles, notes a significant shift in children’s social behavior, attributing it to their reliance on phones. “They pick up the phone whenever they feel uncomfortable,” she explains.
Bipartisan Support:
Interestingly, this issue sees rare bipartisan agreement, with both Republican and Democratic states adopting similar measures. Florida, for instance, implemented a law last year requiring schools to ban phones in classrooms and restrict social media access on school networks. This law also mandates education on the impacts of social media.
Historical Context:
Concerns about phones in schools are not new. Since the 1980s, there have been numerous attempts to restrict these devices due to fears of distraction and their association with illicit activities. The 1999 Columbine High School shooting, however, shifted perspectives, highlighting the importance of phones in emergencies. Consequently, states like California relaxed their bans in the early 2000s. The debate reignited as phones became more prevalent, facilitating distractions, cyberbullying, and cheating.
Mental Health Concerns:
Today, the conversation also revolves around mental health and social media’s impact on students. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently suggested warning labels for social media, similar to those on cigarette packs, citing increased risks of anxiety and depression among heavy users. Research indicates that adolescents spending over three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to face mental health issues.
Implementation Challenges:
Despite the push for stricter policies, experts like Ken Trump, president of the National School Safety and Security Services, stress the importance of community consensus and consistent enforcement. “It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions,” he asserts.
Student Perspectives:
In Los Angeles, the school board voted to ban phones starting next year, but the specifics of enforcement remain unclear. Alyssa, an 18-year-old student, expresses skepticism, noting the difficulty of monitoring large campuses. “There are too many places to hide,” she says.
