In 2023, Florida became the first state to ban cell phones in schools after Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 379. Following Florida’s lead, Indiana, Louisiana, and South Carolina also implemented complete bans on cell phones in schools. States like Ohio, Alabama, Connecticut, and California are beginning to follow suit.
Starting in 2025, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will ban cell phones during the school day to ‘join California’s lawmakers and those across the country trying to pry students’ attention away from their devices during school’ (Dale, Laist). As the second-largest school district in California, LAUSD’s new policy will require students to either store their cell phones in lockers or secure them in Yondr pouches. These pouches, created by Graham Dugoni in 2014 to ban cell phones from concerts, lock with a special magnet, effectively restricting access during school hours.
Though phones can be a positive, helpful tool, there are a few negatives. These include cyberbullying, distractions during class, negatively affecting mental health through social media, and fewer face-to-face interactions.
However, the positives outweigh the negatives. Cell phones offer both children and adults the opportunity to communicate from far distances, the ability to call 911 in case of emergencies, assistance with school, can help people find safe-spaces, or help them step out of their comfort zone.
Ultimately, the question arises: Are cell phones truly influencing students’ behavior and actions, or do home environments and parenting styles play a more significant role? Many schools argue that cell phones contribute to poor mental health, disrupted sleep, and lack of motivation among students. However, is it fair to solely blame the internet?
Parents and guardians decide when their child gets a phone, set limitations, and teach them right from wrong. If more students were educated on proper behavior and respect, perhaps there would be fewer issues. Administrators should consider students’ home lives; simply banning cell phones during school hours may not address the root problems and could lead to student frustration.
Sources:
Dale, Mariana. “LAUSD Will Ban Cellphones From School Day Beginning in 2025.” LAist, 14 Aug. 2024, laist.com/news/education/lausd-los-angeles-unified-cellphone-ban-use-on-campus#:~:text=LAUSD%20joins%20California’s%20lawmakers%20and,from%20their%20devices%20during%20school.
Rock, Amy, and Amy Rock. “Which States Have Banned Cell Phones in Schools?” Campus Safety Magazine, 10 Sept. 2024, www.campussafetymagazine.com/insights/which-states-have-banned-cell-phones-in-schools/161286/#:~:text=The%20first%20state%20to%20use,DeSantis%20signed%20House%20Bill%20379.
“Pros and Cons of Banning Cellphones in Schools.” Congressional Digest, congressionaldigest.com/pros-and-cons-of-banning-cellphones-in-schools. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.