State lawmakers want to crack down on phone use at school
During the upcoming legislative session, lawmakers will consider whether every Tennessee school district should adopt a policy that would prohibit kids from using their phones during instructional periods.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Some state lawmakers are trying to crack down on kids using cell phones during class. We took a look at the legislation they’ll consider in the new year.
Stacy Simplican knows first-hand how distracted her kids can get by their phones. “They would be on them all the time so I definitely have a timer,” Simplican said.
State lawmakers are also looking to limit kids screen time in the classroom. “I like the idea,” one Nashville mom said.
During the upcoming legislative session, lawmakers will consider whether every Tennessee school district should adopt a policy that would prohibit kids from using their phones during instructional periods, unless authorized by a teacher for educational purposes.
“I like where they are going to try and get kids focused on learning, but with where they are with safety in schools, I don’t think it is the best decision to take phones away,” one Nashville mom said.
We asked the sponsor the bill, Republican Senator Joey Hensley, what he would say to parents who are concerned about not being able to reach their child during the school day.
“I know how it was when we didn’t have cell phones,” Sen. Hensley said. “People still were able to get ahold of their parents in an emergency.”
Metro Nashville Public Schools, as well as Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson and Clarksville-Montgomery Schools told us they already don’t allow phones during class.
“Those districts that already have a policy doing it, it wouldn’t change them at all,” Hensley said.
Hensley said there would be exceptions for things like medical issues, severe weather or a school shooting.
“It is even scarier sending him to school right now with all the shootings that happened right before break so it is a great thing to be able to text your kids,” Simplican said.
Hensley said it would be up to each district how to enforce the policy, like whether teachers would confiscate phones during class or only make students keep them off or on silent.
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