Phone bans in schools spread across the US

A growing number of US states, cities and school districts are severely restricting or banning student cell phone use amid concerns about the negative impact of constant internet connection on teenagers.

According to The Washington Post on August 27, of the 20 largest school districts in the US, at least 7 have banned students from using cell phones during the school day or have plans to do so. In addition, at least 7 districts have imposed some restrictions, such as banning use during school hours but allowing use during lunch or breaks.

Some places require students to turn off their phones, put them on silent mode, and put them in their bags or special lockable bags; or put them in a designated area in the classroom.

In June, the Los Angeles County School Board voted to ban cell phone use, and in Nevada’s Clark County School District, middle and high school students will have to keep their phones in their pockets during the day, starting this fall.

Several states, including Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida, have enacted regulations restricting student use of cell phones during the school year. Governors in at least three other states have also called on schools to limit or ban the devices.

Students' phones are left in a designated area at Cincinnati Country Day School in Indian Hill, Ohio, USA. Photo: CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

The ban has become more widespread after many teachers and parents said mobile phones were distracting, hindering learning and a constant burden on students' mental health.

A 2022 study at the New York Institute of Technology found that studying without cell phones resulted in students having lower levels of anxiety, better comprehension, and greater concentration.

A 2021 national survey found that 43% of high schools and 77% of middle schools in the US banned cell phone use for non-academic purposes during school hours.

Experts say the rate has increased significantly. However, not everyone agrees with the move. Some parents worry about not being able to contact their children in an emergency, such as a school shooting.

In response, supporters said students can still contact family members using school phones, and also emphasized that shootings are rare at schools.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on August 27 that the city was not ready for a full ban. He stressed that he did not want any distractions at schools, but also wanted to be careful in implementing the ban so that he would not have to reverse the decision later.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/lenh-cam-dien-thoai-tai-truong-hoc-lan-rong-o-my-196240828204613488.htm