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States adopt cell phone restrictions for better learning

Caradoc Wyn August 18, 2024

Recent initiatives in several states underscore the growing concern about cell phone use in schools. Both Virginia and California are introducing measures aimed at limiting student distraction from smartphones.

The Virginia Department of Education recently released draft guidelines recommending that schools enforce strict cell phone bans. The proposed rules would require students to turn off and put away their phones throughout the school day, including lunch and recess times.

This initiative was prompted by Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, which addresses the need to reduce distractions that are considered “addictive” and detrimental to student learning. After extensive public consultations, education officials received a clear consensus from parents and educators in favor of reducing cell phone use during school hours.

Lisa Coons, superintendent of public education, said, “The extensive feedback we received from the citizens of Virginia was clear and direct.” She believes the focus needs to shift from social media back to learning to ensure children have the best academic experience possible.

Research shows that intensive smartphone use during class affects students’ ability to concentrate. The new guidelines are intended to limit activities such as surfing the internet and using social media during class.

If parents decide that their elementary school-aged children must bring a phone, the draft states that those devices must be turned off and stowed away. Middle and high school students should have limited access to their phones during school hours.

While middle schools are encouraged to set specific policies, high school students are only allowed to use their phones outside of class hours. Exceptions are made for students with disabilities or language barriers to accommodate the diverse needs of all students.

On the other side of the country, California Governor Gavin Newsom has also expressed the need to regulate smartphone use on school campuses. He raised concerns that excessive smartphone use is linked to mental health problems among adolescents, citing studies that suggest an increase in anxiety and depression.

Newsom’s recommendation includes immediate restrictions in all school districts and emphasizes the urgency of combating distractions. In his recommendations, he cites statistics from the Pew Research Center that show a significant percentage of teachers view cell phone distractions as a problem.

Schools like Santa Barbara Unified that already restrict cell phone use are reporting positive results, including better test scores and fewer incidents of bullying. Newsom reiterated, “The evidence is clear: Restricting cell phone use leads to better concentration and academic success.”

A law was passed back in 2019 allowing counties to regulate smartphone use, and Newsom is advocating for stricter enforcement of those laws. He will work with lawmakers to consider additional measures to limit smartphone distraction.

With feedback on Virginia’s guidelines due by mid-September and school boards having to adopt policies by Jan. 1, the momentum toward systematic change is significant. Meanwhile, California’s schools may soon follow suit and focus on creating classrooms free from the distractions of the digital age.

The link between technology use and educational effectiveness is becoming increasingly clear, leading to policies aimed at increasing student engagement. This joint effort by several states shows that combating cell phone distractions is becoming increasingly important as educators seek to create optimal learning environments.

Expectations for these changes are high as stakeholders seek direct improvements in student engagement and achievement. The development of these policies is one piece of a larger puzzle as schools strive for environments conducive to learning.

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States adopt cell phone restrictions for better learning

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Caradoc Wyn

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