TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – After months of research, the student screen time task force presented its recommendations.
“It involves recommendations on screen time and mental health, personal devices in schools, and then parent oversight of school owned devices,” task force co-chair Ava Gustin said.
Topping the 36-member group’s list of 22 recommendations is a total “bell to bell” ban on devices, including during lunch and passing periods.
They also recommended period breaks from all screens, and policies for staff, too.
“What we’re trying to do here, is hopefully present a body of research that help students have the best opportunities they can moving forward and help teachers have the best opportunities they can to teach without the distractions of cell phones and social media,” task force co-chair Brian Houghton said.
As a school principal, Houghton would most like to see better device communication.
“The biggest one is the parent engagement piece where we really spent a lot of time communicating with parents about the risks of cell phones, social media, helping them better understand social media,” Houghton said.
State board members next will evaluate the recommendations, and determine what’s next.
“I don’t think there is a one size fit all. I think if we have a district of 100 kids and a district of 30,000 kids, you’re gonna have a different policy,” Kansas Board of Education District 4 representative Ann Mah said.
The board will vote in December 2024 if these recommendations should be sent to Kansas school districts.
Even if approved, they would only be guidelines, local districts still set their own final policies.
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