Manhattan Institute proposes model legislation against smartphone use in K12 schools
Most of the country and the political class agree on the harmful effects of mobile device use on teenagers' concentration and mental health.
A minor holds a smartphone.
The ban on smartphones in lower-level schools is already on the legislative agenda in several states, following steps taken by various administrations across the country to tackle the issue at its root and nip the problem in the bud.
It is an issue that has the backing of a bipartisan consensus, in addition to that of the country's entire adult society. According to Manhattan Institute data, 73% of Americans favor limiting access to phones in schools.
The figure rises to 80% among Republicans and stands at 71% for Democrats and 66% for independents. In New York, 63% of public school teachers favor a total ban on these devices.
In response to this need, which it claims is for the educational health of minors, the Manhattan Institute this January presented model legislation to address the problem of loss of concentration in the classroom.
States such as Florida, Indiana and Louisiana have already enacted bans. California and Minnesota have passed laws requiring school districts to adopt rules limiting smartphone use.
Youth mental health
Teachers confirm that cell phones and smartphones divert students' attention from their work. According to a survey by Pew Research, "72% of high school teachers say that students being distracted by their cell phones in class is a major problem."
The recommendations issued by the institute include a series of guidelines to eliminate the presence of the devices in classrooms. They enunciate the need to put in place a system of secure lockers for cell phones, which serve to store the devices during school hours.
The legislative model also provides for exceptional cases, as well as suitable ways to warn about policies.
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