Summary
Cellphone bans in schools are gaining bipartisan momentum, with at least eight states, including California, Florida, and Virginia, enacting restrictions to combat classroom distractions and protect children’s mental health.
Governors from both parties, such as Arkansas’ Sarah Huckabee Sanders and California’s Gavin Newsom, support these measures, citing benefits of phone-free school days.
While some parents oppose bans, citing emergencies and transportation needs, proponents argue phones disrupt learning and may pose risks during crises.
States differ on implementation, from outright bans to district-level policies or funding for phone storage solutions.
I don’t know how other schools/districts are handling this issue, but in my kids’ high school they have plastic storage bins in every classroom. Some classes have one big bin by the door. Others have multiple smaller bins at each group table. When the kids enter the room, they are expected to put their phone in the bin and leave it there until the end class. The bins aren’t locked or put anywhere they can’t be reached in an emergency.
From everything I’ve heard from both teachers and students, this new policy is working wonders to increase student engagement and interaction. I honestly don’t see any downsides. The only people I’ve seen complaining are helicopter parents who are upset that they can’t get ahold of their kid at any moment of the day.