US state bans phones in public schools for humanitarian reasons

Mr. Glenn Youngkin, Governor of the US state of Virginia - Photo: UPI

According to Reuters news agency on July 10, Mr. Glenn Youngkin, governor of the US state of Virginia, explained the above move to respond to mental health problems and poor learning conditions among teenagers.

The executive order — issued July 9 — directs the Virginia Departmentof Education to develop procedures to limit the use of cell phones during school hours, such as requiring them to be placed in dedicated cell phone lockers.

Education officials will consider exceptions that allow parents to contact children for essential reasons, as well as procedures for students with medical needs or in emergency situations.

The order comes after a similar cell phone ban was announced by the Los Angeles Unified School District last month.

Many smaller school districts have also blocked students from accessing phones or social media at school, amid growing concerns that cell phones are harmful to students' learning and mental health.

The Virginia Department of Education has until September 16 to issue final guidance on the new policy. Schools will implement the policy on January 1, 2025.

“Creating a cell phone-free educational environment in public schools is not only a prudent measure, but also an essential measure to promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn,” Gov. Youngkin, a Republican, said in the order.

Mental health and grades impact

Youngkin's order references a study published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

This study found that teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to have poor mental health.

The order also cites studies showing that cell phone use in the classroom reduces students' ability to focus and engage, leading to lower grades.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tieu-bang-my-cam-dien-thoai-trong-truong-hoc-cong-lap-vi-ly-do-nhan-van-20240711105632701.htm