Cellphone Ban Policies

The desire to ban cellphones in K-12 settings has been rising across the United States recently. There have been a couple of states already implementing cell phone ban policies, and it appears many more could follow (2). While there are some reservations from students and parents, many teachers and school administration have had enough of the interruptions from constant cellphone use (4).

Public schools in Spokane, Washington will be having a cellphone ban policy to promote learning and healthy boundaries to digital devices for this upcoming school year (6,8,9). Elementary and middle schools will have the most restrictions, where students can only use cellphones before and after school. High schoolers will have slightly more freedom, by being allowed to use cellphones between classes as well. While the policy is focusing on cellphones, the policy will apply to all devices that give students access to messages and videos for non-school or non-medical related use. These changes are to help gradually teach students how to use digital devices in a healthy manner (9). Also, Spokane Public Schools recently started an initiative called Engage In Real Life (IRL) with Launch NW to deter students from too much screen time. This initiative encourages students to participate in real life activities, such as volunteering or school extracurriculars (7).

Growing research shows a strong consensus that multitasking with digital devices reduces effectiveness in performing tasks well (3). Also, research of distractions in the workplace, hospital, and other settings can translate how distractions with cell phones in schools can cause problems. For example, the University of Utah conducted a study on how minimizing distractions, like cell phone use in retail pharmacy, can lead to a more meaningful and efficient environment (1). So, reducing distractions of the online world during school could most likely have a positive impact. Some schools like Salk Middle School in Spokane, Washington have already seen a noticeable improvement in student behavior and learning environment (9). Some high schools from Contra Costa County district in California are seeing productive behavioral changes as well (5).

Time will tell the impact of cellphone ban policies across the United States. Regardless, cellphone ban policies encourage reflection on how the amount of screen time can affect daily life activities. Cellphone ban policies stir the question, “How are daily activities being affected by my time on digital devices?”

References
1.https://accelerate.uofuhealth.utah.edu/leadership/the-surprising-benefits-of-reducing-workplace-distraction
2.https://www.edweek.org/technology/which-states-ban-or-restrict-cellphones-in-schools/2024/06
3.https://journalistsresource.org/education/multitasking-social-media-distraction-what-does-research-say/
4.https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/technology/school-phone-bans-indiana-louisiana.html
5.https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/bay-area-schools-grapple-with-cell-phone-bans-19658571.php
6.https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/spokane-public-schools-to-ban-cellphone-use-in-classrooms/
7.https://www.spokaneschools.org/article/1734146
8.https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/jul/10/spokane-public-schools-to-ban-cell-phone-use-in-cl/
9.https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/aug/13/the-stakes-are-really-high-here-spokane-public-sch/