School Board Debates Classroom Phone Ban
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The debate over electronic devices in classrooms is intensifying as a state senator has introduced legislation to ban such devices statewide.
The Hamilton County School Board met this evening to discuss a proposal to prohibit cell phones in local classrooms.
State Senator Todd Gardenhire and State Representative Dan Howell have co-authored a bill aiming to eliminate the use of electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices, in classrooms across Tennessee.
The proposed legislation cites concerns over rising distractions and aims to enhance student engagement and academic performance
Jill Black, a member of the Hamilton County School Board, stated when discussing this topic that she “want(s) [her] kid to be able to have access to their phone if there’s an emergency or if they need to change transportation arrangements or something. If they don’t have car to put their phone in the way that is. How this policy is written indicates that they can’t have a phone at all in school property.”
In tandem with this state-level initiative, the Hamilton County School Board convened today to vote on a measure that would ban cell phones in local classrooms.
Board members advocating for the ban argue that removing phones will reduce distractions and encourage face-to-face social interactions among students.
However, some parents have expressed concerns, emphasizing the need for their children to have access to phones for safety and communication purposes.
Ben Connor, a member of the Hamilton County School Board, stated when discussing technology use in schools that there are “so many different ways to embrace the correct way to implement technology so that our children are better equipped to take on the modern world. I think we made some great policies, and I don’t know why we’re trying to change them.”
Following deliberations, the school board has voted to table the conversation until a policy committee meeting can be held on March 4th. The outcome of the vote could set a precedent for other districts grappling with the challenges posed by electronic devices in educational settings.
As both state and local authorities deliberate on these measures, the balance between leveraging technology for learning and minimizing classroom distractions remains a focal point of discussion.
We will continue to monitor the developments of both the state legislation and the Hamilton County School Board’s decision.
