The Phone-Free Schools State Report Card gives four states: Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota and Rhode Island “A” grades. They meet the Gold Standard requiring student cell phones be turned off and stowed away from the start of the day until dismissal.
“So, we call that bell-to-bell.”
Lina Nealon, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Institute for Families and Technology and report card project lead, points to five key improvements.
“One is boosting the academic performance because they’re not as distracted. It improves mental and physical health. It increases teacher satisfaction; this is a major one. It protects student safety and privacy, and it strengthens school community relationships.”
The report card is a collaboration of several child safety organizations. Why did Michigan receive a “C” grade? Students are only banned from accessing their cellphones during class time. Nealon says research shows that it increases distraction in students.
“Because it’s literally that craving to check their phone that they know they’ll be able to check it during passing period actually makes them even more distracted.”
And once they’re in the hallways, checking in with their phones takes precedence over interpersonal relationships. The Phone-Free Schools State Report Card recommends Michigan amend its law requiring a bell-to-bell policy.
