For better or worse — and it is both — we cannot function in our modern world without our cell phones. We use them for pretty much everything; taking photos, sending texts, keeping ourselves entertained, paying for things, checking in for flights, listening to music, summoning rides, keeping a calendar, even accessing our electric cars. Oh, and on rare occasions, we use them to make actual phone calls.
The distraction factor is high. Someone like me can wake up in the morning, grab my phone to check the top news stories and, 90 minutes later, still be doom scrolling instead of doing something more productive.
Many teenagers are even more consumed by their phones than adults, and that has proved to be rather unhealthy, mentally, emotionally and, to the extent it keeps them from moving their bodies, even physically. At school, the temptation is overwhelming to keep phones close and connected. The resulting distraction from learning is huge.
That is why 40 states have imposed limits on cell phone use in classrooms and why Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal are making it a top priority to convince state legislators to impose a ban on student cell phone use during the school day in all public schools.
While studies show such bans produce mixed results in improving student performance, there is no question that there are myriad ills beyond mere distraction associated with being incessantly tied to phones, including bullying, unwanted sexting, alienation from friends and stunted social interactions.
I am all for it. I’m sure a few parents may complain about not being able to be instantly in touch with their children, but perhaps a ban would help ameliorate one other problem: helicopter parenting.
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