PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – Cellphones are everywhere nowadays.
But state leaders in Mississippi are considering legislation that will limit their use in schools.
“It’s not in any way an exception for when you’re in the classroom,” Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said. “That’s when you really learn, not off green dots on the screen.”
The debate centers around students’ mental health and academic performance.
These are two issues raised by the Mississippi Senate’s Mental Health Task Force, comprised of leaders, educators and health professionals who advocate for students’ needs.
“We’ve all read very difficult stories about things that have happened, including youth who have died by suicide after instances of bullying and things like that,” said Joy Hogge, Families as Allies executive director. “So, it’s a very important thing to look at.”
In their October 2024 report, the task force suggested that each school district in Mississippi implement cell phone policies.
Hogge said this won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution.
“That can look different for different school,” Hogge said. “Does that mean you just put their cell phones somewhere? Does that mean you put it in a lockbox? What exactly does that look like?”
The Lamar County School District follows a strict cell phone policy that gives students up to four offenses before their phones are taken for the year.
Sumrall High School Principal Matt Thomas added that most students see the benefit of the policy.
“I’m sure they’d say it was tough, too,” said Thomas. “But over time, we’ve had students who will tell you it’s nice to have a break.”
One concern brought up by critics of cell phone restrictions: what happens during school emergencies?
“If you ask our students, they’d say, ‘If I really need to get in touch with someone, I can use my phone,’” Thomas said. “But if they’re using it in class for purposes unproductive to all of us, we’re going to get it.”
The task force will present its recommendations at the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session.
Hogge said some of those suggestions could become law.
“Start talking to your school board now about what that would look like in your district,” said Hogge. “We’re also encouraging families to talk to their own legislators.”
The 2025 legislative session will start on Jan. 7.
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