“Who passes notes in class anymore?” asked a Reno “screenager” as she snapped her friends her weekend plans. This day in age, students enjoy the convenience of texting a hello on their smartphones instead of rummaging for a paper and pen. But are we too addicted, to dependent, too obsessed with our phones? If you ask many of our parents and teacher – the answer is YES.
This year alone, more than a dozen states passes laws of cracking down on students cellphone use on campus. Carson City School District already implemented restrictions and Washoe County leaders are discussing the same. Teachers and adults -who I believe, genuinely want what’s best for us and they think banning cellphones is about more than learning. They say it’s to help crackdown on our addiction with the online world. Common Sense Media reports young people are averaging about eight hours of screen time a day.
We have access to thousands of apps. While many are very positive and can help with learning, like Duolingo, some really are a distraction in the classroom. Plus, our phones have changed the way teens engage with each other – good and bad. “Cyberbullying, sexting and poor mental health” is a fear of many adults including he U.S. Surgeon General who recommended warning labels for social media. This might surprise you, but many kids are on board with limiting phones, too. More than half of the students who took recent Washoe County School District surveys agreed that cell phones in class should be limited. While I love having my phone close by, I do agree that I am a more focused learned when my phone is in the caddy. Teachers also think keeping phones away limits distractions.
Now, don’t get me wrong… I don’t think phones should be banned altogether in schools. They’re a nice distraction during passion periods. Plus, my mom always wants to know she can het ahold of me. But I do think it’s much better visiting friends face-to-face in between classes. If COVID taught us one thing – it is the power of relationships, friendships and connections. I sure missed connection with my friends during distance learning, so why would I want more of that now that we are back under one BMCHS roof?
