Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom, and who should decide?
We interviewed teachers, parents, and community members in Ann Arbor to gather different perspectives on this issue.
According to most teachers interviewed, cell phones in the classroom can be a constant nuisance if left unregulated. In one class period, a teacher could have 25 interruptions or more from cell phones, which would likely negatively impact learning.
Ann Arbor Public Schools are now considering checking cell phones when students enter the classroom and returning them when they leave class. This would still allow students to use their cell phones within the halls during passing time, lunch and other free time.
Most people agreed that the teacher could decide the policy. However, some states have also passed related mandates. In May, Ohio joined Florida and Indiana to ban cellphones in the classroom. Oklahoma and New York are considering similar bans.
Arizona, Delaware and Pennsylvania passed state policy incentives for schools to limit cell phone usage. Policies have been recommended in Alabama and Connecticut. Policies have been required in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Virginia. Statewide restrictions have been passed in Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina.
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On July 29, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) Introduced the “Smart Kids Not Smartphones Act,” bipartisan legislation to reduce the use of smartphones in the classroom.
“There is no question that smartphones are a major distraction to students in the classroom,” said Romney in a statement. “They also contribute to deteriorating mental health, social isolation and cyberbullying among our youth. Our bill would encourage schools to institute policies prohibiting the use of smartphones during class time, while allowing for reasonable exceptions for emergencies, educational activities and students with exceptional needs.”
Some parents and community members counter that it could be a safety factor for students to always have their cell phones with them. Some parents and students state that if there is a school shooting or other emergency, cell phones can alert authorities, communicate with parents, or relay important, timely information to law enforcement. Cell phones can save lives.
Still, others state that cell phones are now simply part of our technological landscape. They even suggest that teachers integrate them into lesson plans, such as with on-the-spot research and class communication activities.
However, one study by Common Sense Media that analyzed student smartphone data suggested that smartphones are an educational distraction. According to the study, 97% of 11 to 17-year-olds were on their cell phones during the day, with a median time of 43 minutes.
Excessive cell phone usage can harm students‘ mental health, ability to focus/learn, self-image, safety and overall well-being. Other negative associations made with too much cell phone usage include social isolation, cognitive dysfunction, addiction, cheating and lower academic performance.
An Ann Arbor Public School Board Member has recently suggested that a public forum on this subject be scheduled in the future with more input from teachers, parents, and community members.
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