Cell phone bans hit US schools to curb cyberbullying and distractions – but parents fear lack of communication in the event of a shooting

Several US states are moving to ban cell phones, claiming that the devices have contributed significantly to cyberbullying, poor mental health and lack of learning.

Florida, Ohio, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia and California have prohibited use during school hours or are working to impose such restrictions.

A school in Minnesota has completely banned smartphones from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., claiming the move was… It led to more social contact, fewer distractions, and overall happiness for the children.

However, parents have expressed concerns about not communicating with their children during the day due to fears of what could happen while they are away – such as shootings and bullying.

“It's all very political and divisive. I think parents are just afraid of what happens to their kids during the day,” Shannon Moser, a mother of two teenagers in New York, told PBS.

one parent wrote Parents.com: '…Given the many terrifying things that can happen in today's schools, something about not having a direct line to her when you're far away doesn't sit right with me.

“Between school shooting threats and bullying, parents' minds are always swirling with worst-case scenarios,” she wrote.

A quick “Hi, Mom” or the ability to ask, “How’s today going?” It goes a long way in alleviating these concerns, not only for parents, but for children as well.

Principal Patrick Smith implemented the ban at Maple Grove Middle School in Minnesota last year, claiming the efforts were intended to combat cyberbullying, fights between students in the hallways and force students to focus on their studies rather than their devices.

Dailymail.com has contacted Smith for comment.

“I believe (the ban) will be a game-changer and will have lasting impacts on our students for years to come,” Smith said. CBS News Wednesday.

The Board of Education asked parents for their opinions on a schoolwide cell phone ban at a district meeting, and the response was very positive, Smith said, adding that when they unveiled the plan, parents applauded.

“There were no conversations across the table, no interaction in the hallways.

“Let's be real, with these devices, there's a lot of drama that comes from social media, with our students — especially our teens — and a lot of conflict that comes from it,” he told the outlet.

Since the ban, Smith claimed that students have had more positive interactions with their peers.

Although he could not provide data proving students' improved grades, he said parents told him they saw a difference in their performance.

“I've noticed that he's thriving and really focused and doing really well, participating in class discussions. I'm getting feedback from the teachers about it,” parent Kim Jilin told CBS.

Smith encourages students to leave their cell phones in their lockers, and said the device is confiscated throughout the day if they are seen using it in the classroom or hallway, explaining that the rule applies from 8:10 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at school. Ends today.

Like other teachers, Smith said “the kids are happy” with the cell phone ban.

“No one has ever backed down before,” he said on the radio. Chad Hartman Show.

'…In my experience, no parent or community member has ever come forward and said this is false; You shouldn't do this; Our children should be able to have access to their phones.

“He has been very supportive of our community, parents and staff.”

Parents or guardians can reach students by calling the principal's office, and each classroom has a phone for emergencies.

But the question remains whether that will be enough in the event of a school closure or emergency situation where a student or teacher does not have access to a phone inside the classroom.

Ken Trump, head of National School Safety and Security Services, said the pros outweigh the cons, and warned that cell phone use during emergencies could do more harm than good.

“During a shutdown, students should listen to adults at school who are providing life-saving instructions and working to keep them safe,” Trump told the National Education Association. location.

“Phones can distract from that.” Silence can also be key, so you don't want phone noise to attract attention.

'…Schools need to have these conversations up front and explain the rationale behind new cell phone policies. Disruption to the educational environment is something parents understand.

School districts across the country are implementing similar cell phone bans as in Maple Grove, but with the caveat that students can still carry their phones on them and use them between classes.

In Orange County, Florida, an all-day cell phone ban initially faced barriers from parents who said their children should be able to contact them directly if necessary.

Some students are happy with the change, saying it has contributed to more honesty and acceptance between them and their classmates.

“Now people can't say, 'Oh, look at me on Instagram.' This is who I am, said a 12th grader at Timber Creek High School in Florida New York times.

“It helped people be themselves — rather than online — at school.”

However, the student expressed concern that she could not at least hold her cell phone while in class and in the hallways, telling the outlet that she would feel safer if she knew she could text her mother right away.

A 2021 report revealed that about 77 percent of U.S. schools ban non-academic cell phone use during school hours, with some adding a “we see it, we take it” policy.

The number of studies showing a link between students' mental and emotional decline and social media is growing, including a 2023 review by BMC Psychology, which found that screen time is associated with student well-being and is associated with increased depression in girls.

“The majority of our students, when we surveyed them, were thankful for it because it reduced stress in their lives,” Colorado Superintendent Bill Wilson said. Washington Post. “They're not worried about what their friends say, at least not during school time.”