Schools are considering banning cell phones so that children can concentrate on learning in class
PHOENIX – In April, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have restricted cell phone use in schools.
In Arizona, it is up to schools whether they want to enforce a cell phone ban.
Teachers, principals and school inspectors are aware of the importance of a mobile phone.
“It serves as a safety measure, especially before and after school,” said Randy Mahlerwein, deputy superintendent of Mesa Public Schools.
Whether it takes place in the classroom is another discussion.
“Every school year we ask our parents what worked and what didn’t, and they complained that students spend more time on their phones than listening to class,” said Robert Akhbari, principal of Desert Canyon Middle School. “We only have 52 minutes for students to learn, so we want to make sure we use that time efficiently.”
The Apache Junction Unified School District just implemented a phone policy this school year.
They got involved after school districts like Mesa Public Schools, Great Hearts Arizona and Scottsdale Unified School District had success banning cell phones in either all or just some grades.
“Typically, we run into difficulties when a parent wants to communicate something to their child but knows they won’t see it until the end of the day. So if it’s an emergency, they contact the school office and vice versa,” said Brandon Crowe, principal of Great Hearts Arizona.
That’s the only complaint from a mother at Carson Junior High School in Mesa, who will soon allow her daughter to take her phone to school.
“I think it’s important to have it on, but not to use it. Unfortunately, we have school shootings and if the phone wasn’t on, I don’t think the kids would be able to reach their parents,” said parent Brenda Bennett.
Some school districts, like Mesa Unified, allow students to use cell phones during lunch. Others oppose this because it prevents students from socializing.
“Between 7:20 a.m. and 2:20 p.m., no student is allowed to carry their mobile phone, smartwatch or earphones,” says Akhbari.
The Tolleson Union High School district is considering a ban on cell phones.
They discussed it at a board meeting on August 13, but it was not put to a vote.
