Bell-to-bell cellphone ban is a ‘no-brainer’
As a parent of children on the verge of starting grade school, such a policy could not come soon enough.
I was very impressed with the recent panel discussion on limiting smartphone use in schools hosted by Alexa Anderson and the “Turning Life On” non-profit at Acton Middle School on May 14.
To me, bell-to-bell bans of smartphones in schools are a no-brainer, and as a parent of children on the verge of starting grade school, such a policy could not come soon enough. But, somehow, it hasn’t happened.
As news comes in of other states passing such legislation, I’m left thinking, “Why can’t Massachusetts do this?” This is why the panel really left me feeling optimistic. I learned that state Rep. Simon Cataldo has actually spearheaded a bill aimed at restricting smartphone use in schools, with certain exceptions. Rep. Cataldo emphasized that statewide legislation would have a far greater chance of success if it were informed by experiential data gathered through local initiatives. He encouraged schools within his district (including Acton and Carlisle) to be leaders on this topic, implement local smartphone ban policies, and communicate lessons learned to shape a more effective statewide bill.
To influence local policy, the most impactful thing we can do is to write letters in support of phone-free schools to the Acton-Carlisle Regional District School Committee. I intend to do so and hope you will, too.
Nathan Emley
Ministerial Drive
