States Eye Laws to Limit School Cellphone Use Over Mental Health Concerns
TL/DR –
A growing number of states in the US are considering legislation to ban or limit cellphones in schools to reduce classroom distractions and address concerns about student mental health. These states include Alabama, Maryland, and New Hampshire, joining 11 other states that have introduced similar bills. This movement coincides with increasing research suggesting teens’ extensive use of phones for social media consumption is linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
U.S. States Consider Legislation on Cellphone Restrictions in Schools
Increasingly, states are contemplating laws to limit or ban cellphones in schools, aiming to reduce classroom distractions and address rising concerns about students’ mental health. Just last week, lawmakers in Alabama, Maryland, and New Hampshire proposed bills to restrict cellphone usage during school hours, joining legislators in 11 other states who have introduced similar bills, according to health policy research group KFF.
Concerns about Screen Time and Student Distractions
“Screens are negatively impacting our learning environments, drawing students’ attention away from their classes,” announced Republican New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Aiming to decrease distractions, states like Alabama and Maryland are proposing similar legislation, with Alabama suggesting fines for policy violations.
States Joining the Movement to Restrict Cellphones in Schools
If enacted, these states would join eight others that have already implemented statewide restrictions or bans on cellphone use in public schools. This wave of new legislation is largely driven by research indicating that excessive social media consumption on phones can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. A 2023 Gallup study revealed that 51% of American teens are engaging with social media at least four hours a day.
Tighter Restrictions On Social Media Usage
Some states are proposing more stringent restrictions, such as bans on social media for children under 16, similar to legislation passed in Australia. Additionally, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Miss., proposed federal legislation to establish a legal age for social media use.
Proponents and Critics of the Cellphone Restrictions
Proponents believe these restrictions will help students focus on their coursework. However, critics argue access to cellphones is a public safety issue. Colorado single mom Jeara Underwood states she’d withdraw her kids from public schools if they couldn’t use their phones.
The Need for a Balanced Approach
Mary Alvord, a psychologist, suggests that teaching teens to have a healthy relationship with technology is the goal, not merely keeping them off a mobile device during school hours. “It’s like banning books. You miss out on a lot of good literature if you don’t teach media literacy,” she said. Alvord believes that while such bans may reduce bullying, it’s more beneficial for teens to learn how to use their phones responsibly.
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