As Seen In the Reno Gazette Journal
It is exciting to see the Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board discuss the restriction of cell phone use in the classroom. However, we are well behind the curve on this issue. Most other districts and even states have already taken action to protect their children by banning cell phone use in the classrooms. Currently, 77% of U.S. schools already have bans on cell phone use in the classroom, and several states, including Florida, Alabama, and California, have either introduced or enforced statewide cell phone restrictions for K-12 students. Independent Women’s Forum Many other countries also ban cell phone use; for example, French lawmakers outlawed cell phone use for school children, and in China, phones are forbidden country-wide in schools. Even our friends in Clark County (Las Vegas) have implemented a policy prohibiting cell phone use in classrooms. So why are we behind on this issue, in two words, “Some Parents.”
Overwhelming Data: The Detrimental Impact of Cell Phone Use in Classrooms on Children
The data is overwhelming; cell phone use in the classroom is detrimental to children. A 14-country study by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) recommends banning smartphones at school for students of all ages. It states the data are unequivocal, showing that countries that enforce restrictions see improved academic performance and less bullying.“In educational settings, smartphones have an almost entirely negative impact: Educators and students alike note they can fuel cyberbullying and stifle meaningful in-person interaction. The mere presence of a mobile phone nearby was enough to distract students from learning. It can take up to 20 minutes for students to refocus after a single text.” This study is just one of countless studies that urge a ban on cell phones in the classroom.
Why Some Parents Oppose Banning Cell Phones in Classrooms
Why are some parents against banning cell phones in classrooms? There are several reasons: parents want to ensure they can reach their children during emergencies like school shootings, they believe in preparing their kids for a tech-driven future, and they see value in using phones as learning tools. While these are important considerations, the primary reason many parents advocate for cell phones in schools is the issue of safety. Parents naturally prioritize their children’s safety and feel the need to stay connected with them. However, research suggests cell phones can contribute to the increased risk of mental health issues and can affect suicidal behavior. From 2018 to 2023, school shootings resulted in an average of 10-20 deaths annually. In stark contrast, suicide rates among adolescents and young adults are 150 times higher than school shootings, with roughly 3,000 young people aged 10-19 dying by suicide each year in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Adverse Outcomes of Cell Phone Use
Adverse outcomes of cell phone use. Cell phone use affects children and adolescents in the following ways: 1. Increased Anxiety and Stress; platforms like Instagram and Snapchat amplify the tendency for social comparison, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem. 2. Cyberbullying is a common issue online and can be persistent and hard to escape, impacting a child’s sense of security and self-worth. 3. Reduced Attention Span and Academic Performance: frequent phone use contributes to impaired focus, which impacts academic performance and can affect self-esteem. 4. Addiction Potential: most apps are designed to be addictive so kids cannot unplug and engage in other activities, which is linked to lower levels of life satisfaction and mental well-being. 5. Decreased Physical Activity and Face-to-Face Interaction: kids who rely heavily on texting or social media miss meaningful in-person interactions and have less physical activity. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety and has been linked to physical and mental health issues.
Our Children Need Us to Take Action
Our children need us to get this done. A ban on cell phones in classrooms is overdue. Most everyone in other countries and school districts across the U.S. has figured this out. In a recent WCSD survey (where about 25% of parents responded), 33% supported cell phones in the backpack or pocket, while the vast majority wanted them out of the classroom entirely. On top of that, teachers want them gone. The same WCSD survey shows that nearly 80% of teachers want cell phones banned from the classroom. Banning cell phones in the classroom will protect our children’s future and show the WCSD teachers that we are listening and want to help them. Give our School Board the support they need to make this important decision. Ban cell phones in the classroom.
Strengthen our Community (SoC) is a non-profit (501c3) committed to developing cooperative, caring solutions to regional needs, with a special emphasis on education, families, good governance, and environmental sustainability. SoC is dedicated to confronting the important but complex issues in the region that have been difficult or even impossible to resolve. For more information on Strengthen our Community please get in touch with us at info@socnnv.org or 775-350-1465.
Mike Kazmierski is the executive director of Strengthen our Community.
