A tougher crackdown on student cell phones in schools is being considered by Hoosier lawmakers, just one year after they approved a bill outlawing phones during class time.
On Dec. 9, the Senate Education and Career Development committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 78 that proposes a “bell to bell” ban on student phone use during the school day.
Essentially, school districts would choose one of two options — store cell phones at school or mandate they be left at home.
The ban would also cover all student personal devices such as laptops and smartwatches.
The state Department of Education would establish a model policy for school districts to consider.
Testimony on Tuesday came from individuals and representatives from advocacy groups who all favored the bill. The committee won’t take a vote until January, said Sen. Jeff Raatz, R-Richmond, who authored the bill.
Under the bill, exceptions could be made for some special education students; students with a documented medical condition; critical incident emergencies in which a school leader allows access; and in cases of non-English speaking students who use language translation on their devices.
“Someone has to be an adult in the room to set up so kids can communicate with their parents, should there be an incident,” Raatz said.
Under the current law, River Forest Superintendent Kevin Trezak said students generally aren’t caught with phones during class time.
“It won’t be a huge change for us,” he said of the legislation. He said phones aren’t collected, but rather teachers monitor their classrooms for phone distractions.
Kristin Casper, of Stand for Children Indiana, shared results of a recent survey in Indianapolis that showed widespread support for a stricter policy.
“The further away from the phone, the higher the GPA,” she said of recent data.
She said Fort Wayne schools enacted a “bell to bell” ban last year and it cited fewer behavioral problems, and higher grades.
LaToya Hale-Tahirou, a mother of three, said her views have changed on cell phones in schools.
“As a helicopter parent, my opinion has evolved… I used to be a big believer in my children having their cell phones at all times, especially my daughter…”
She reversed her opinion though after seeing the impact cell phones have on her children.
“I fully support any attempt to address the negative implications and addictive behaviors driven by smartphone use.”
Such a ban would increase academic performance, she said.
“We need to take the phones out of the hands of young people, at least for the hours during school. And help them recapture their ability to be attentive and form more meaningful relationships.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
