During a recent school board meeting, David Pickersgill, a parent of two daughters in the Kirkwood School District, raised concerns about the impact of smartphones on children's education and mental health. He highlighted a growing body of evidence suggesting that smartphones, particularly those with social media access, are detrimental to learning and contribute to increased rates of depression among youth.

Pickersgill referenced the work of social scientist Jonathan Haidt, particularly his book \"The Anxious Generation,\" which discusses the negative effects of social media on children's social interactions and mental well-being. He argued that while parents may wish to limit smartphone access for their children, societal pressures often compel them to provide devices, leading to a situation where children feel isolated if they do not have smartphones.

To address these issues, Pickersgill urged the school board to review the evidence surrounding smartphone use in schools and consider implementing a district-wide ban on such devices. He emphasized that for any policy to be effective, it would require the full support of the school administration rather than relying solely on individual teachers.

In closing, Pickersgill clarified that he does not oppose smartphones entirely, acknowledging their benefits for adults, but firmly believes they should not be used during school hours. His call to action reflects a growing concern among parents regarding the balance between technology use and children's educational and emotional health.