Some Parents Object Citing Safety Issues During a Crisis
The Los Angeles Unified School District is considering a policy that would ban students from using their cell phones during the entire school day. School officials are set to vote on the measure Tuesday, potentially aligning with other districts nationwide that have adopted similar policies. You can read the resolution’s text, Putting Kids First, here.
Supporters of the ban argue that it would reduce bullying, enhance meaningful communication among peers and adults, and improve learning outcomes. The initiative is led by LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin, who emphasized the detrimental effects of widespread smartphone and social media use on youth.
While similar bans have been implemented in states like Florida, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Louisiana, parents have expressed their concerns. They value the access to phones for their children in case of an emergency. Currently, cell phone use is regulated in schools, but the level of enforcement varies from school to school.
“The research is clear: widespread use of smartphones and social media by kids and adolescents is harmful to their mental health, distracts from learning, and stifles meaningful in-person interaction,” Melvoin stated in an Instagram post.
The motion already has backing from board members Tanya Ortiz Franklin and President Jackie Goldberg. A fourth vote is needed for the policy to pass.
