Hamilton County School Board chair Joe Smith says cell phones are “a blessing, but also a major distraction.”
On Thursday’s School Board meeting, Smith will call for a total ban of cell phone use by students at school.
In a memo to Board members, Smith wrote,
“Since the adoption of our Board Pol. No. 6.311 limiting student’s use of cell phones on campus, the Board has continued to receive complaints about the inconsistent enforcement of this policy. Furthermore:
- 19 states have laws or policies that ban or restrict students’ use of cell phones in schools statewide or recommend local districts enact their own bans or restrictive policies.
- A Pew Research Center survey carried out in 2023 found 72 percent of high school teachers felt usage was a major problem, and 60 percent said cell phone policies were very or somewhat difficult to enforce.
- Data shows that high schools banning cellphones reduces disciplinary issues and increases overall academic performance.
- A Pew Research Center study in 2024 shows that 68 percent of adults support a ban on middle and high school students using cellphones during class.
Accordingly, I propose that the Board revise Board Pol. No. 6.311 to prohibit the use of cell phones by students while at school:
- Lines 4-6 of the existing policy should be deleted and replaced with the following: “Accordingly, subject to the exceptions set forth in this policy, students may not use or possess cell phones or personal communication devices while on campus during the regular school day.”
Smith says, “90% of the principals I have spoken with support this policy. We need students to focus on what they’re in school for, and that is to get an education.”
At most county high schools, cell phone use is allowed during lunch periods, and Smith says, “Students don’t even talk to one another, because they’re glued to their phones.”
When asked about parents and students who are concerned about getting in touch with each other in emergency situations, Smith said, “In case of emergency, students need to be focused on getting to their safe space. Adult staff members are responsible for emergency communications, but students should focus on their own immediate safety.”
He said he anticipates pushback from some parents and students, but studies have proven that a cell phone ban will result in better discipline and higher academic achievement. The School Board will meet Thursday at 4:30 at the central office on Hickory Valley Road.
