Community Discussion: Cell Phone-Free Schools

https://www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com/community-discussion-cell-phone-free-schools/

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McGowan and Wait Until 8th advocate for “bell-to-bell” policies to ban cell phones from the beginning of the school day to the end. McGowan said access during in between periods can disrupt the long-term benefits of a cell phone ban. 

Parents may have concerns about reaching their child in case of an emergency, but the National Association for School Resource Officers says students communicating with parents during emergencies can make students less safe. 

“I just don’t think parents have done the full mental gymnastics of what actually happens and the day to day harm that is now proven with the kind of incessant, you know, addictive device in our hand for our kids is way worse than the what-ifs,” McGowan said. 

McGowan said as a parent she understands it can be scary to worry about possible emergencies at school, but cell phones can get in the way of students listening to teachers and safety officers during critical times.