Nineteen states now have banned cell phone use on school campus during the school day. All the data suggest cell phones are a huge distraction to our students education experience while at school.
Data further suggest that in schools where cell phones have been banned that schools have experienced an improvement in academic achievement and a decrease in behavioral episodes.
My conversations with parents, teachers and principals overwhelmingly supports cell phone use on campus during the school day should be strictly prohibited. Some parents will argue "I want my child to be able to call me in the event of an emergency." Other parents will say, "In the event of an emergency I want my child to focus on getting to their safe space, not calling me." I absolutely agree with the later.
Cell phones and all technology is both a blessing and a curse. If you visit one of our Hamilton County high schools where students are allowed to use their phones during lunch period you will think you are at a wake at the funeral home. It is a very quiet, sedate place. Kids are on their phones and not talking to each other.
Many high school age young people today struggle with mental health issues. Once again, data suggests and blames cell phones usage as a contributor to this problem. I find it very interesting, a few weeks ago we all got upset at our state legislators because they voted for vouchers ignoring the large majority of their constituents. I hope this school board is not doing the same thing. Over 70 percent of parents, teachers and principals want phones gone. It appears that the majority of the population of Hamilton County is at the same place. Notice the poll that appears on Chattanoogan.com today.
We are raising a generation of addicts (electronic addicts). I feel strongly we must do the right thing by requiring our young people to totally separate themselves from their cell phones for a mere 7.5 hours a day and focus solely on academics. Scary times.
Joe Smith
School Board District 3
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Mr Smith, you are correct.
Cell phones need to be banned from kids during school hours. There is enough distraction and not enough focus on studies.
Charlie Hunt