Colorado Springs School District Ahead of State Efforts with Cellphone Policy
Colorado Springs D-11 School District has implemented a cellphone policy that went into effect at the start of the 2024-25 school year. The policy requires students to put phones in pouches during the school day, creating a device-free learning environment. While there has been some resistance from student groups, early indications are positive, with students reporting feeling more engaged and enjoying direct conversations with their peers.
The proposed bill at the state Capitol would require all school districts to establish a cellphone policy by 2026. The bill passed the House and will now be heard by the Senate Education Committee. The legislation does not specify what the policies should be, leaving the decision up to individual school districts.
Children’s Hospital Colorado has thrown its support behind the bill, citing research that shows excessive cellphone use can lead to poor mental health outcomes in adolescents. The bill is seen as a common sense approach to balancing the benefits of technology in education with the need to minimize distractions in the classroom.
In a recent Pew Research Study, 72% of U.S. high school teachers said cellphone distraction has become a significant problem in the classroom. The bill would allow school districts to create their own policies regarding screen time and cellphone use during school hours, while also considering key elements such as balancing technology benefits with minimizing distractions.
Candidates running for the State Board of Education have also expressed support for clearer cellphone policies in classrooms, citing concerns over safety and security as well as the impact on student learning. Republican Yazmin Navarro, who was elected to the District 8 seat, highlighted the need for schools to establish clear policies outlining when and where students can use their devices during class.
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