States Intensify School Cell Phone Ban Debate

The debate over banning cell phones in schools is intensifying across the United States, with states like New York and Florida moving forward with legislative actions to restrict phone use during school hours. In Florida, Senate Bill 1296 proposes a pilot program in six districts to ban phone use, while New York has already implemented a ban to improve students' mental health. Similarly, North Dakota is considering legislation to lock up phones during school hours, citing distractions and cheating as concerns. Illinois is also contemplating a bill to restrict phone use in class, with educators expressing mixed feelings about the impact of phones on students' engagement and school climate. Despite some opposition from school boards and superintendents, the push for bans is gaining traction as a means to address academic and behavioral issues.