March 1 2024- Educators across the United States are expressing concerns about the pervasive use of smartphones in classrooms, with reports of students engaging in activities like watching Netflix, using gambling apps, sending Snapchat messages, and shopping online during class. While the impact of smartphones on adolescents is well-documented, teachers argue that parents may not be fully aware of the extent of phone usage within the classroom. As a response, a growing consensus among educators and experts is emerging in favor of banning phones during class to mitigate distractions and maintain a focused learning environment. Some teachers are implementing measures like requiring students to place phones in designated cubbies during class to physically remove the distraction.
