Banning cellphones in schools is a game changer backed by overwhelming evidence. Students show improved mental health, fewer distractions and better classroom engagement when phones are removed bell-to-bell. Jersey City already reports more socialization, decreased suspensions and fewer students expressing suicidal ideation since implementing their ban.
Research on phone bans produces wildly mixed results, with no clear benefits to student achievement or mental health. Teachers already face impossible burdens implementing unfunded mandates without proper planning or resources. Banning phones while students still have constant access to school-issued tablets and laptops is like locking the front door and leaving the back door open.
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