The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is advocating for the restriction or prohibition of cellphone use among K-12 students in schools, with the possibility of a statewide mandate in the future. Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced the department’s intention to establish a grant program worth up to $1 million to support districts that pilot cellphone restriction policies.
During a monthly meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, teachers, administrators, and students from schools that have already implemented cellphone restrictions or bans were invited to share their experiences. Several representatives discussed policies that required students to surrender their phones at the beginning of class, while others extended restrictions to hallways as well.
Some attendees expressed concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. They argued that eliminating phones entirely might not address the underlying issues of academic and social distractions. They also contended that blanket bans fail to teach students responsible phone usage and self-control. Some parents emphasized the need for constant connection with their children and expressed concerns about potential school emergencies.
What do you think of banning cell phones in schools? We’d love to hear from you!
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