Wisconsin Assembly Bans Cell Phones in Classrooms

In Wisconsin, a Republican bill has been passed by the state Assembly to ban cell phones in classrooms during instructional time, citing concerns over students' mental health and the need for enforceable policies. The legislation allows exceptions for emergencies and authorized educational use, but Democrats argue it imposes an unfunded mandate on schools and is overly simplistic. Meanwhile, in the UK, the Safer Phones Bill is being advocated to raise the age of internet adulthood, ban smartphones in schools, and regulate app designs to protect children from harmful smartphone use. Conversely, the Educate Africa Institute in Ghana is urging the government to allow regulated mobile phone use in schools, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and the educational benefits of technology. In Texas, the CCISD has announced changes to its rules regarding phone usage ahead of a legislative vote on classroom bans. These developments reflect a broader debate on the role of mobile devices in education, balancing potential distractions against their educational benefits.