US States Push for Cell Phone Ban in High Schools

01More American states are pushing for cell phone restrictions in high schools.

02The move comes as teachers say it is a major problem in the classroom.

03In July, Virginia became the latest in a growing number of U.S.

04states to restrict cell phone use in public schools.

05The state's governor, Glenn Youngkin, issued an executive order to establish guidance and policies for local school systems to follow by January.

06Youngkin's order said studies indicate that students who use their phones during class learn less and achieve lower grades.

07It also cited an alarming mental health crisis among young people driven by the use of cell phones and social media.

08Last year, Florida became the first state to restrict the use of cell phones in school.

09A law that took effect in July requires all Florida public schools to ban student cell phone use during class time and block social media on the school's Wi-Fi.

10The states of Indiana and Ohio passed their own laws this year.

11Several others, including Oklahoma, Vermont, and Kansas, have also recently introduced what is being called phone-free schools legislation.

12New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she will push for legislation to ban cell phone use in the coming legislative session in 2025.

13In a recent public study, the Pew Research Center reported that 72% of U.S.

14high school teachers say cell phone distraction is a major problem in the classroom.

15Teachers report less of a problem with younger students.

16About 33% of middle school teachers and 6% of elementary school teachers see cell phone use as problematic.

17The Associated Press, AP, reported that a California teacher complained of students watching Netflix during class.

18In Maryland, a teacher said students used gambling apps to place bets during the school day.

19Many educators in the U.S.

20said students used social media, listened to music, and shopped online during the school day.

21James Granger is a science teacher at a Los Angeles area high school.

22He told the AP, students used to have an understanding that you aren't supposed to be on your phone in class.

23Those days are gone.

24Granger added, the only solution that works is to physically remove the cell phone from the student.

25Some students say such policies take away their independence and cut off their main method of communication with family and friends.

26Opposition also has come from parents who fear being cut off from their kids if there is a school emergency.

27Jayden Willoughy is a student at Delta High School in rural Utah.

28He shares the concern about being out of contact with his parents if there is an emergency.

29But he also sees the upside, or good result, of turning in his phone at school.

30At Delta High School, students are required to leave their phones at the door when entering every class.

31It helps you focus on your work, and it's easier to pay attention in class, Jayden said.

32Kim Whitman is a leader of the Phone-Free Schools movement, a group that advises schools.

33She told the AP she urges educators to make exceptions for students with special educational and medical needs.

34Back in Virginia, school systems have been increasingly banning or severely restricting students' phone use.

35For example, Loudoun County Public Schools in Northern Virginia passed a new policy last month that generally bans elementary school students from using phones during the school day.

36Middle school students are permitted to use their phones before or after school, but they are expected to store their phones in their lockers.

37In high school, students are expected to silence their phones and place them in storage during instructional time.

38In Richmond, Virginia, the school system started a cell phone ban last year in some of its high schools and middle schools.

39Jason Kamras is head of the Richmond School System.

40He said, We saw more student engagement in class and fewer distractions throughout the day.

41Additionally, he said, students reported spending more time talking with their peers.

42I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.

43and I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.

44I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.

45I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.

46I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.

47I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.

48I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.