CARLISLE, Pa. — Checking our cell phones is a regular occurrence for many people, but school leaders are telling lawmakers it’s becoming a distraction for students.
“They’re playing solitaire on it, they’re playing games on it, and they’re using social media," said Rep. Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland County) "But they’re not actually using it for school.”
That's why State Representative Barbara Gleim is looking to cut down on cell phone distractions by introducing a bill that would ban them from the classroom. She believes the bill will help improve student’s mental health and academic performance.
“We got to get back to the basics where kids are coming in and getting down to business learning math, science, and reading without being distracted by a cell phone," said Rep. Gleim.
The bill would mandate students put their cell phones in a safe location, such as their locker, for the duration of the school day, except for their lunch period. The bill also gives exemptions to ESL and special needs students.
People like John Foltz agree that there should be limits on cell phone use in school.
“I know [cell phones] have a place where they need to be," said Foltz, who has grandchildren attending high school and college. "But in high school and grade school, I think they should be restricted to some degree.”
Meanwhile, Laena Brody said that having her cell phone during school was important to stay in touch with her family.
“I remember I would send text messages to my grandmother, who was always very supportive," said Brody, who is three years out of high school. "Not having my phone would’ve been difficult, I think.”
A spokesperson with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association issued the following statement about the proposed bill:
"Student access to electronic devices is, and continues to be, an issue discussed by school leaders across the state. Our members strive to provide an educational environment that is orderly, safe and effective for learning...Our position is that locally elected school leaders are in the best position to make decisions related to student use of electronic devices during the school day."
Representative Gleim hopes to move the bill into the education committee by March.