The Senate has created a bill to limit phone use in schools. Bill 1014 limits phone use in schools to a bell-to-bell policy. It was passed on February 3 by a 46-1 vote. This has been met with a lot of backlash by students and parents, saying that it is a threat to safety in schools. The counterargument is that phones are a distraction in the classroom and that it is a threat to education.
This is a big controversy for teachers and students. Whether they are for or against the bill is a question for them.
The purpose of the bill is to get rid of phone distractions, help classroom performance, lessen cyberbullying, and boost social engagement. The exceptions to the bill are things like students with medical conditions, IEPs, English language learners, and specific teacher or principal approval.
“Right now, cell phones and social media are causing a detrimental impact on learning, socialization, and mental health in schools. Data shows that 72% of U.S. high school teachers say cellphone distraction is a major problem in the classroom,” says Vince Hughes, according to PA senate republicans.
In the early 2010s, the ownership of cellphones by teenagers went from 23% to 73%. Since then, rates of mental illness like anxiety and depression have almost tripled. Cyberbullying has had a big impact on these numbers. Testing scores in things like reading and math have dropped, and the use of cellphones has risen. Professionals believe that there is a correlation.
On the other hand, many parents and students have very mixed opinions on this topic. Some think that it would eliminate distractions and help social skills, while others say that it is a threat to school safety. Students not being able to contact parents at the touch of a button in an emergency makes a lot of people uneasy.
Another advantage is that they can be used as educational tools. With things like all the research you could ever need at the tip of your fingers. Interactive games to help engage students and help students keep track of assignments with apps like calendars and reminders.
Also, if students are kept accountable, learning to use phones and other technology in a responsible way is a life skill that will not be going away any time soon.
Pennsylvania’s government wants to see schools be a distraction-free environment where students can grow into the best version of themselves and be educated to help them later in life. They will have to make the best decision for the students and teachers who are in schools every day. If they choose to enact this bill, then Pennsylvania will be one of the current 27 states that have restricted phone use in schools. Eighteen of those other states enforce an all-day cellphone ban. Only the future knows what will happen.
