Resident urges Twin Valley to adopt bell-to-bell cell phone ban during school day

Donna Larson, a Twin Valley resident and former high school guidance counselor, urged the Twin Valley School Board during public comment on Sept. 15 to adopt a bell-to-bell ban on student cell phones so students could "only access their phones before or after school." Larson said she volunteers with Twin Valley and that the district has been a local trendsetter in the past.

Larson cited examples of recent policy moves elsewhere, saying "In 2023, Florida was the first state to ban cell phones during the school day. In June 2024, the Los Angeles school district voted to ban cell phones and social media during the school day." She said districts that adopted such bans have seen improved test scores and increased student interaction, and offered an anecdote that teachers "commented to hear laughter in the hallway again."

Larson read from Jonathan Haidt's book (identified in the transcript as The Actress Generation) to argue that partial bans that restrict phone use only during instructional time are ineffective because they encourage hidden use and concentrated use after class. She asked the board to "consider giving our students a gift, a gift of seven hours ... where they are free from disruptions, isolation, and drama. For their academic, social, and emotional well-being, please consider this request."

The board thanked Larson for her comments; no formal motion or board action on the proposal was recorded during the meeting.

Ending The request was made during the public comment portion of the Sept. 15 meeting; any policy response would require administration review and a formal agenda item for board consideration.