California has passed a new law that will require all public schools across the state to limit students’ access to cell phones during the school day in an effort to reduce distractions and improve the ability of students to focus in class. The legislation, which went into effect this week, has drawn educators, parents and students into a debate about whether technology can really help or hinder learning.
Under the new law, schools must also adopt policies limiting cellphone use during instructional time, with exemptions for emergencies, medical reasons or as ordered by a teacher for a specific educational purpose. These restrictions have been given flexibility for schools to implement them however they wish, some schools having a total ban, others allowing limited use during specific times during the day.
Those in favour of the law say that the use of cellphones has harmed students’ focus and academic performance. This makes for the kind of focused learning environment our students deserve, said state Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. Teachers and parents have been increasingly worried about the negative effects of constant digital distractions decreasing students’ capacity to concentrate and remember things.
But the change has pleased many educators who say it has improved classroom dynamics and increased student participation since the restrictions were put in place. Sarah Martinez, a high school teacher in Los Angeles, shared her experience: A marked difference in the level of engagement with my students have been noticed. “There are more of them out in discussions and just less anxious about being missed on their social media updates.”
But the new policy has not been without its critics. Parents who insist they are in serious need of cellphones to keep up with their children say cellphones are essential for communicating with children in emergency situations. John Davis, a parent from San Francisco, expressed his concerns I get the need to remove distractions but I am worried as I will not be able to get to my daughter quickly if I need to.
Some students are underwhelmed by the restrictions, but others are embracing the chance to just disconnect and focus on the work. It’s been an adjustment, but I’ve gotten more into class discussions and lessened the pressure of having to cheque my phone all the time, said Emma Chen, a junior at a Sacramento high school.
In an effort to allay concerns and run smoothly, many schools are holding workshops with students to teach them digital wellness and time management skills. Other districts are beginning to experiment with alternative ways to communicate emergencies such as school-wide alert systems.
The law’s intention, however, is not to eliminate technology from school entirely but rather to return a more balanced approach to its use, the California Department of Education has said. The department is asking schools to embed digital literacy and responsible digital use in their curricula.
California’s statewide cellphone restriction is closely watched by educators and policymakers across the country, as it leads the way. The California schools success, or challenges on many technology fronts, could have implications to other states wrestling with the use of technology in the classroom.
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