On Tuesday, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order mandating the introduction of “cell phone-free education” in Virginia public schools.
“The need to implement cellphone-free education in Virginia’s K-12 public schools has become increasingly apparent,” Youngkin’s order reads. “Parents, public health professionals, educators and other stakeholders across the Commonwealth Concern over the alarming mental health crisis and chronic health conditions (such as depression and anxiety) affecting teenagers, driven in part by widespread use of social media and widespread teen ownership of cell phones. Cellphone-free education will significantly reduce the number of students left without parental supervision. Spend less time using your cell phone.
Youngkin’s directive orders state health and education officials to draft school guidelines that include a detailed definition of “cell phone-free education,” a model implementation plan, and alternatives for parents to contact their children if necessary during the school day.
“Creating a mobile phone-free educational environment in public schools is not only a prudent measure, but also a necessary step to promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child can learn freely,” the order reads.
Some critics are skeptical of widespread claims that cell phone use is a direct cause of increases in anxiety and depression among teenagers. A better example is that cell phones only distract students and make teaching more difficult.
“A 2016 study found that 97 percent of college students said they sometimes use their phones in class for non-educational purposes,” wrote Psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt last year. “Nearly 60 percent of students say they spend more than 10 percent of their class time on their phones, primarily texting. Many studies show that students who use their phones in class learn less and get lower grades.”
Youngkin’s order is a better alternative to a blanket ban on minors’ use of social media. While specific changes to school policy are still unknown, the state is best Allows for considerable flexibility, allowing individual school districts and principals to customize changes to best meet the needs of parents and students in the community.
However, there may still be some skepticism here. Virginia has in the past enacted anti-tech legislation that restricted freedoms in the name of protecting children. For example, Yang Jin sign A bill last year required age verification when accessing pornographic websites in the state.
