Cell phones have become a daily companion for students, but now, school officials are being asked to draw the line. For many students and staff, it’s about time.
“So I think you know a lot of people or students- they come into class and they’re not paying attention,” said Demian Herrera, an Academy of the Canyons student. “They miss information and stuff because of the phones.”
In a recent Hart District survey, 97% of students opposed a full-day phone ban.But many admit phones can be a distraction, and about 1 in 3 support classroom restrictions.
Even students are saying: there needs to be a balance.
Students’ phones may be facing a time-out. A new California law states that every school must adopt a phone policy by 2026. But in the Hart District, that conversation is already underway.
The district also heard from over 3,000 parents and more than 500 staff members. 97% of staff said restrictions are needed, and nearly half support an all-day ban. For teachers, the issue is classroom focus and how hard it is to enforce limits without a clear policy.
“I do feel like it’s about time,” said Constance Bissachi, an Academy of the Canyons teacher.” Having to handle the usage of phones in my classrooms on my own for many years,
“Phones have become a problem. It’s nice to have backing finally,” said Bissachi.
The Hart District board will discuss the survey results Wednesday night, but no vote is expected yet. They say it’s crucial to find a policy that works for everyone—students, staff, and families.
