MARIETTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Marietta City Schools is taking significant steps to expand its redirection on cellphone usage among students. The district, which already enforces restrictions on cellphones at two of its middle schools, is now considering extending this ban to high school students. This decision will be discussed at the upcoming school board meeting, where parents and educators are eager to learn more about the proposed changes.
Currently, students at some schools are required to lock away their phones and smartwatches inside Yondr Pouches at the start of the day. This system ensures students have their devices but cannot access them during school hours, aiming to minimize distractions and promote focus on learning. Parent feedback has been mixed, with strong opinions on both sides.
One parent expressed concerns about accessibility, stating, "I think the kids need their cellphones. They need to be accessible. Parents need to be able to reach them." Meanwhile, another parent supported the initiative, emphasizing how it helps students concentrate: "That is going to make people focus on what they’re doing at the moment." The school district hopes to address various challenges stemming from cellphone usage, including interruptions to learning, inconsistent enforcement of existing policies, and concerns about student well-being and academic integrity.
Critics of the cellphone restrictions are particularly worried about emergencies. One concerned mother remarked, "I think it will be helpful to the students, but what if there is an emergency?" She highlighted the need for schools to develop processes to keep students safe and connected during such situations.
Moving north, the Kansas State Board of Education has also been busy, accepting significant recommendations from a task force concerning cellphone restrictions. During its latest meeting, the board agreed to guidelines aimed at establishing what would effectively be a "bell-to-bell" cellphone policy—a complete prohibition on cellphone use during school hours.
Though the decision is not mandatory for local districts, it has sparked conversations among parents and educators alike. According to Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson, this is not about enforcing top-down mandates but about offering guidance to districts. He explained, "This is not the state board telling any local district what you ought to do."
One parent, Sherrie Hill, voiced her support for the potential policy change, noting the benefits of minimizing distractions during classroom time: "Kids can still carry their cellphones, but to actually have them up and open and using them in the classroom, not necessary." Other parents echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the mental health impacts of constant cellphone connectivity.
Adding to this conversation is New York, where local advocates and teachers are rallying for statewide cellphone bans. Recently, NYSUT President Melinda Person and various school district officials convened at the state Capitol to urge leaders to implement policies prohibiting cellphone usage within classrooms. They argue the need for healthier learning environments, with research indicating increased engagement and improved social skills when phones are removed from the educational setting.
Supporters cite personal stories, including those from students who initially opposed bans but later experienced enhanced focus and well-being without constant text notifications and social media distractions. High school senior Jax from Schoharie shared, "When I moved to Schoharie and heard about the total ban, I wasn’t happy at all. But by Friday, my mind was completely changed."
Under the proposed policies, the advocates want to establish clear regulations to maintain uninterrupted educational experiences, regardless of school district differences. The NAACP New York chapter has expressed cautious support, stressing the importance of creating inclusive environments and ensuring emergency communication protocols are part of any potential ban.
Notably, cellphone policies differ greatly from one district to another, with some already implementing strict rules and others lacking any regulations at all. The push for consistency has grown stronger as districts seek clearer guidelines on how to tackle cellphone usage effectively.
What remains uncertain, though, is whether the forthcoming proposals from Governor Hochul will reflect general guidelines for local districts or impose stricter rules on cellphone use across New York State. Insights on these upcoming proposals will be revealed come January.