Educators have known for years that constant access to smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets is hurting students. But can we reverse course this late in the game?
Experience from other states and right here in Pennsylvania shows that yes, we can. It may be the best way to improve learning, reduce cyberbullying, and address the youth mental health crisis.
A bipartisan group of state senators introduced Senate Bill 1014, which would require public schools to adopt “bell-to-bell” policies limiting student possession and prohibiting use of internet-connected personal devices during the school day. The bill sets a clear, statewide expectation while giving local school districts flexibility to work with parents, students, and educators on how policies are implemented. PSEA fully supports this bill.
“The average teenager receives 237 texts a day. That’s hundreds of interruptions during a school day meant for learning,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “Establishing a statewide expectation that public schools must restrict the possession and use of mobile devices will provide a consistent expectation for all students across the commonwealth – something we desperately need.”
This change won’t be easy. There will be adjustments and a few bumps along the way. But the long-term payoff is worth it, for students and educators alike.
The majority of PSEA members agree.
“Cellphones are a distraction in the classroom that interfere with learning and cause behavior problems and safety concerns. As an English language teacher, it is challenging to help students acquire a second language when they have earbuds or headphones on and/or are scrolling through their cellphones. Cellphones and school don’t mix.”
– Melanie Christopher, ELD Teacher, Department Chair, Allentown EA
“Schools should ban cellphone usage during class. This policy must be universal and have real teeth behind it. Forcing teachers to be the phone police is exhausting for them, and has proven to be an utter failure. I see so many ways students are distracted by phones. They coordinate times to meet up in the bathroom or to walk the hallways. Their parents call and text them about matters that are not emergencies. Their boyfriends post another girl’s photo on Instagram. If students were not distracted by these matters during school, they could focus more on their classes. They would also benefit from learning how to take a few hours away from the drama on social media and deal with these situations more logically.”
– Rebecca VanderMeulen, School Counselor, Upper Darby EA
“I would love a bell-to-bell cellphone statewide policy!”
– Stephanie Bosco, World Language and Literature Teacher, Downingtown EA
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