Parents resist school phone bans, impacting student focus

There is a growing movement to ban cell phones and smartwatches in schools across the United States. Many educators are reporting improvements in student focus and communication when these devices are not allowed during classes. Surprisingly, students seem to adapt well to these restrictions. Parents, however, are pushing back against these bans. They often feel the need to stay in constant contact with their children, which can lead to distractions in the classroom. New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted that some young students are wearing smartwatches just to keep in touch with their parents throughout the day. She emphasized that this need for communication comes from parents, not students. This issue is not new. A survey by Education Week found that 20% of school leaders were aware of parents monitoring their kids during class. Some parents check their children’s activities multiple times a week or even daily, which many educators find concerning. Teachers are expressing their discomfort with this level of parental oversight. They believe classrooms should be spaces where students can learn and take risks without constant surveillance. As educators push for phone-free environments, they urge parents to adjust to this new norm as well, promoting a healthier atmosphere for students to learn and grow.