Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Teacher urges school board to consider banning student phones during school day
Summary
A Meridian High School teacher representing Distraction Free Schools urged the board to consider a district-level ban on cell phones during the school day, citing classroom disruptions and a state bill that was altered at the legislature.
During public comment at the March 11 Meridian School Board meeting, teacher and community representative Mr. Shipp (self-identified) urged the board to act to reduce classroom phone distractions. Speaking on behalf of Distraction Free Schools, he said teachers' reports show phones are pervasive during class, causing frequent disruptions and off-task behavior.
'When that cell phone's sitting in their pocket, it's in their pocket all day long, and it's constantly buzzing them,' Shipp said, asking the board to visit classrooms and review research on outcomes at schools that have implemented bans. He described a recent state legislative effort he called House Bill 5346, saying it had been gutted before passage and now places the responsibility for any policy change on local districts.
Shipp recommended district site visits, research on school-level phone bans and conversations with teachers and students to see classroom effects first-hand. Board members thanked him, and several trustees said they appreciated the request and would consider next steps at future meetings or through staff follow-up.
The comments were made during the board's public comment period; the board chair noted the time limit and explained the district would not engage in back-and-forth during the public-comment portion but could follow up later.
