January 1, Time to Say Goodbye to Cell Phones in the Classroom

Our kids are surrounded by technology every day, and it’s only getting more common. Schools, helped by big tech companies, have played a huge role in this tech flood.

Most kids in middle and high school, and even a lot in elementary school, have learning devices given to them by schools. But is all this tech really helping them learn better? Michael Bloomberg thinks not. He says kids are stuck on laptops too much at school, saying, “kids are losing their social skills and not doing well on tests,” and wants schools to go back to using “books and pens.”

Lots of kids using screens at school might be causing problems, especially when we see that reading and math scores are dropping. While screens aren’t the only reason, they sure aren’t making things better.

That’s why more schools and states want to keep kids from using phones in class. A study from 2023 showed that a whopping 97% of kids aged 11 to 17 use their phones during school hours.

Teachers are seeing trouble with kids using phones. Almost three-quarters of high school teachers say it’s a big distraction, and middle school and elementary teachers also notice the issue.

Phones aren’t just distractions—they can be dangerous for children. Addictive tech and harmful content can reach our kids, and phones can be tools for bullying.

With all these concerns, it’s clear that kids shouldn’t have phones during school hours.

Thankfully, some schools and leaders in the U.S. are working to stop phone use in class. It’s a rare issue that’s bringing together both Republicans and Democrats. Big places like Los Angeles Unified School District have banned them. Politicians in New York and Illinois are also making plans to do the same. Even Denmark has banned phones in schools and other European countries are thinking about it too.

Reports say that 28 U.S. states have tried to get rid of or limit phones in classrooms, and more are likely joining in.

But to make it work, parents need to be on board. Some parents worry they need to reach their child in emergencies, but schools generally allow parents to call the main office to pass urgent messages.

Stories from schools already show that less phone use means kids talk more and pay attention better. A survey found that in schools with strict phone rules, 76% of teachers say kids pay more attention, and 70% say it makes kids safer.

One teacher in Los Angeles noticed, “Students were actually paying attention to his lessons” once phones were banned.

If we want our kids to do well in school, cutting down screen time—and stopping phone use during school—is something we absolutely need to do.

Wyatt Matters!

Every day, kids use technology to learn, play, and communicate, but too much of it in schools might not be helping them as it should. With laptops and tablets given out by schools, kids are spending lots of time on screens instead of using books and pens. This can be bad because they might not be getting better at important skills like reading and math. Screens can also cause them to lose social skills.

Phones, in particular, are a big issue during school hours. Many teachers say phones are a huge distraction. Kids are sometimes more interested in their phones than in what the teacher is saying. Phones can also be dangerous because they can show harmful content. Some kids might even use phones to bully others. If we want our kids to focus and learn, they shouldn’t use phones in school.

Luckily, schools and leaders are starting to change things for the better. Many schools have begun to ban phones in classrooms. Places like Los Angeles have already done this, and more schools are planning to follow. When phones are banned, students communicate more and pay better attention. In schools with strict phone rules, many teachers see their students doing better. Taking phones out of schools helps kids learn and stay safe, so it’s a smart move for everyone.

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

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