LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The early returns are trickling in on the state’s efforts to remove cell phones from the school day and help students focus on their education.
Channel 7 spoke with the superintendent of Little Rock public schools to get an update.
Almost three weeks into the new school year, superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright said he’s surprised at how cooperative students have been in keeping their phones put away.
Arkansas is one of seven states in the country that ban the use of cell phones in schools.
The Bell-to-Bell No Cell Act, or Act 122, applies to all public and charter schools, grades K-12. And it’s a big change.
According to a 2023 study by Common Sense Media, 97% of students between the ages of 11 and 17 were using their phones during the school day.
Superintendent Wright tells me he was expecting the worst when dealing with teenagers. But after some adjustments, including morning backpack checks, Wright said it’s been going smoothly.
“I have been quite surprised at the overwhelming majority of our students who have complied with this, this new law, and from having conversations with some, some high school students in small groups, you know, some of them are even reporting that it’s not as bad as they you know, thought it would be, while others are still struggling with the whole concept,” said Wright.
“But again, like I said before, overall, I’ve been very pleased with how things have been going,” said Wright.
Little Rock School District teachers said they give nothing but “glowing reviews about the process,” due to an increase in student interaction.
The Little Rock School District plans to get feedback from students throughout the school year in an effort to improve its phone policy.
