Phone policies are causing controversy across North Texas school districts as teachers and administrators grapple with the issue of student cell phone use. While some districts have implemented strict bans, others have more lenient policies in place. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and Mansfield ISD have implemented fines for students who break the rules, while Richardson ISD requires students to place their phones in lockable pouches during the school day. Meanwhile, Dallas ISD is testing out a phone ban in select schools. Frisco ISD allows phones in class as long as they are silenced and put away, and Fort Worth and Arlington ISDs leave the decisions up to individual campuses.
The issue has caught the attention of Texas State Rep. Ellen Troxclair, who believes it is something the legislature should consider addressing. While parents often cite the need for access to their children in case of emergencies as a reason to allow phones in class, psychologists warn of the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s mental health. Pediatric Psychologist Jasmine Ghannadpour recommends limiting screen time to no more than two hours a day and encourages parents to have open conversations with their children about phone use.
As schools navigate the complex issue of cell phone use, it is crucial for administrators to balance safety concerns with the need for students to focus on learning without distractions. It remains to be seen how different districts will continue to address this contentious issue in the future.
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