OPELIKA, Ala. (WTVM) – A new bill in the state legislature aims to address cell phone use in classrooms. Governor Kay Ivey highlighted this effort in her State of the State Address.
“Kids…they can’t be patient. They can’t wait. They can’t handle being bored. They want that instant gratification and it’s hurting them in the classroom,” said Lauren Rawls, a parent and teacher who sees first-hand the negative effects phones, iPads and other electronic devices have on students.
“I understand parents have safety concerns about not being able to communicate with their child immediately, but I think overall the damage we’re seeing from phones is far more serious,” Rawls added.
The Alabama Legislature recognizes the long-lasting negative effects that phones in the classroom have on learning and social skills.
Governor Ivey mentioned a bill banning phones in the classroom in her recent State of the State Address, noting that most teachers support it.
“72 percent of them pointed out that children are distracted by cell phones,” said Governor Ivey.
One solution some schools have adopted is using pouches for students to store their phones. These pouches remain locked until the end of the day or can be unlocked by a school official.
Lee County Superintendent Dr. Mike Howard likes the idea but is concerned about the cost.
“Pouches are extremely expensive, and we have nine thousand students in our school system, so my question will always be: who is going to buy them? How do we afford them if that’s the direction we’re going?” said Dr. Howard.
Dr. Howard, both an educator and a parent, understands the concerns other parents share but also sees the negative effects on learning.
“If you’re looking at me as a superintendent, I’d say it’s a good thing overall because it removes part of the distractions,” he said. “As a parent, I get nervous because you don’t have access to your child all the time.”
Governor Ivey has asked lawmakers to quickly pass the proposed bill, but many still have questions, including exceptions to the ban for learning complications and health issues.
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