Publisher and Parent
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On Tuesday, June 13, the Los Angeles school board initiated a plan to ban cellphones on campus throughout the school day, citing concerns that the devices distract students from learning, increase anxiety, and enable cyberbullying. The ban is set to take effect in January 2025, pending approval of specific details in a future meeting by the Board of Education. The goal is to enforce the ban during all school hours, including lunch and breaks.
School board member Nick Melvoin spearheaded the proposal. “Our students are glued to their cellphones, much like adults,” Melvoin stated. “They are secretly scrolling during class, walking with their heads down in the hallways, and missing out on social interactions during lunch and recess because they are using their AirPods.”
Board President Jackie Goldberg and board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin co-sponsored the resolution. Goldberg shared her experience visiting a high school where students at lunch were only interacting through their phones rather than talking to each other.
The resolution passed with a 5-2 vote. Board member George McKenna opposed the totality of the ban but was open to further discussion. Board member Scott Schmerelson objected due to the lack of distinction between instructional and non-instructional time.
Key details, such as different approaches for various age groups and the use of technologies like smartwatches, still need to be addressed. Franklin noted that smartphones often serve as backup computers for students, and allowances for such uses must be considered. Board member Kelly Gonez, who supported the ban, emphasized that recent immigrants rely on smartphones for translation, which should also be accommodated.
Options for implementing the ban include providing cellphone lockers or pouches that keep devices locked until they are tapped against a magnetic device when leaving campus. Another option is using technology to block access to social media platforms during school hours.
Some parents, however, expressed concerns about the ban, emphasizing the need for their children to have cellphones for safety and communication. School administrators acknowledged that enforcing the ban could be challenging.
Supporters of the ban included a district middle school principal who reported that such a policy had improved the learning environment at his school. An elementary school principal, writing on the Facebook group Parents Supporting Teachers, noted the unnecessary drama caused by devices but acknowledged the need for high school students to have them for safety.
AnneMarie Fulton, another parent in the group, shared her concern about her daughter, who would be starting middle school 10 miles from home, needing a phone to contact her in case of emergencies.
Anti-police activists also voiced concerns, highlighting that students have used phones to document incidents involving police and to contact their parents or legal advocates when their rights were violated.
The resolution does not specify penalties, but confiscation of phones for a period is the most likely consequence for violations. Despite the anecdotal nature of Melvoin’s observations on the harms of cellphones, the board’s resolution references research supporting the proposed policy.
The resolution cites a national survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which found a 139% increase in anxiety among those born after 1995 from 2010 to 2020, coinciding with the rise of smartphones and social media. The U.S. surgeon general’s 2023 advisory also suggests that social media may be linked to the growing mental health crisis among teens.
Current policy allows approved social media use at school for educational purposes under a teacher or school leader’s direction. Personal use of social media on district or personal devices is limited to sites approved by the district’s web filtering system.
The resolution also references a 2016 Common Sense Media survey indicating that half of teens feel “addicted” to their phones. A 2023 study by the same group found that 97% of 11- to 17-year-olds used their phones during the school day.
Evidence in the resolution suggests that limiting cellphone use and social media access during school hours can improve academic performance and positively affect student mental health.
In alignment with this initiative, California Assembly Bill 3216, introduced in February, would require school districts to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting student use of smartphones at school or under school supervision. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026.
On June 18, 2024, our publication obtained a letter sent via email to the CNUSD Superintendent Dr. Sam Buenrostro that included a detailed emailed identifying the benefits of banning cell phones on campuses and providing the link to the LAUSD article.
The text of the email to the district administration is below:
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To Whom It May Concern:
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a recent policy change implemented in a neighboring county that will likely prove to be highly beneficial for their students’ academic environment. This county has decided to ban cell phones on campus, and the positive impacts of this decision have been noteworthy. I believe a similar policy could greatly benefit our schools as well. See link below.
The primary motivations behind this ban include ensuring that students remain focused on their education, reducing distractions and emotional disturbances, and fostering a respectful atmosphere during lessons. By limiting access to cell phones, the county has observed significant improvements in student engagement and overall academic performance.
Firstly, the elimination of cell phones helps students concentrate better on their studies. The constant notifications and the allure of social media can severely disrupt a student’s attention, leading to reduced comprehension and retention of the material being taught. By removing these distractions, students can fully immerse themselves in their learning activities, resulting in a more productive educational experience.
Moreover, reducing emotional upset is another crucial benefit of this policy. Social media and constant connectivity can contribute to increased anxiety and emotional distress among students. The pressure to maintain online appearances and the prevalence of cyberbullying are just a few examples of how cell phones can negatively impact students’ mental health. By prohibiting cell phones on campus, we can create a safer and more supportive environment that prioritizes students’ well-being and emotional development.
Additionally, the presence of cell phones in classrooms often leads to disruptions and a lack of respect for teachers during lessons. Students may be tempted to text, browse the internet, or engage in other non-educational activities instead of paying attention to the lesson. This not only hinders their own learning but also disrupts the entire class. A cell phone ban would help maintain an atmosphere of respect and attentiveness, allowing teachers to effectively deliver their lessons without unnecessary interruptions.
In light of these points, I urge you to consider implementing a similar cell phone ban in our schools. Such a policy would align with our commitment to providing a focused, respectful, and supportive educational environment for all students. I believe this change would lead to significant improvements in both academic performance and overall student well-being.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing this proposal further and exploring the potential benefits it could bring to our school community.
If one of the largest counties in the country can make this happen then I’m certain that Corona/Norco can achieve the same. To make it even easier, the LAUSD is developing a plan to implement the ban. Can we say copy and paste?
Make a difference now! Don’t wait for the next graduation, let’s rock and roll!
Steven
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