LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Arkansas students will have to adjust to a new school year without their trusty cell phones, thanks to the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act.”
This new state law requires students to store their phones away from the opening bell to the closing bell of the school day.
Many students are accustomed to having constant access to their parents and friends, which might make the transition challenging.
“A lot of kids are used to being able to contact their parents at any time in the day if they need support, if they’re worried about something, if something’s happening,” said licensed program expert with Youth Villages, Lizzie McKnight.
Parents are encouraged to prepare their children for this change.
“I think the most important thing is that parents make sure that they’re talking with their kids before that first day of school,” said McKnight.
She suggested discussing potential situations where a student might need to call home and how to handle them.
McKnight also shared coping techniques to help students manage any anxiety or stress.
“Journaling can be great. You know, that’s quiet. Most kids can do that at their desk,” she said.
She also recommended grounding techniques like the 54321 method.
It involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can taste, and one thing you can smell.
McKnight emphasized the importance of staying attentive to any behavioral or mood changes in children.
“The biggest thing we won’t know kind of how a lot of our kids react until we’re in there in the school year,” she said, highlighting the need for open communication and encouraging kids to learn coping skills.
The “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” was signed into law by Governor Sanders in February.
