Hoosier lawmakers are considering tighter controls over student cellphones in schools just a year after they approved a bill that would ban cellphone use during class.
On Dec. 9, the Senate Education and Career Development Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 78, which proposes a “bell-to-bell” ban on student phone use during the school day.
Essentially, school districts will choose one of two options—keep cell phones in school or mandate they be left at home.
The ban will also affect all student personal devices such as laptops and smart watches.
The State Department of Education will develop a model policy for school districts to consider.
Testimony Tuesday came from individuals and advocacy groups who supported the bill. The committee won't vote until January, said Sen. Jeff Raatz of Richmond, the bill's sponsor.
Under the bill, exceptions could be made for some special education students; students with a documented illness; critical emergency situations in which the school leader allows access; and when non-English speaking students use language translation on their devices.
“Someone should be an adult in the room so children can communicate with their parents in the event of an incident,” Raatz said.
Under current law, River Forest Superintendent Kevin Trezak said students typically aren't caught with their phones during class.
“It won't be a huge change for us,” he said of the law. He said phones are not collected and teachers monitor classes to avoid phone distractions.
Kristin Kasper of Stand for Children Indiana shared the results of a recent poll in Indianapolis that showed widespread support for stricter policies.
“The further you are from the phone, the higher your average score,” she said of the latest data.
She said Fort Wayne schools implemented a bell-to-bell ban last year, which resulted in fewer behavioral problems and higher grades.
LaToya Hale-Tahiro, a mother of three, said her views on cell phones in schools have changed.
“As a helicopter parent, my opinion has changed… I used to be a firm believer in my children always having cell phones, especially my daughter…”
However, she changed her mind after seeing the impact mobile phones were having on her children.
“I fully support any efforts to address the negative effects and addictive behavior caused by smartphone use.”
According to her, such a ban will improve academic performance.
“We need to take phones out of young people's hands, at least while they're studying. And help them regain their ability to be mindful and form more meaningful relationships.”
Carol Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
