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DC Council proposes bill to ban cellphones in district’s public schools
A bill was introduced at the D.C. Council meeting on Monday, proposing a total ban on devices such as cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming devices in all public and charter schools within the district. The proposal has gained significant attention, with six council members already signing on to support it.
According to Fox News, the bill aims to restrict cellphone use during school hours, citing concerns over student focus and socialization skills. Council member Brooke Pinto, who authored the bill, emphasized that “families are permitted to do what they want to do at nights and weekends and in their own time but it’s our responsibility as a government to work in partnership with our families, with our parents, with our schools to make sure that we’re setting up kids for success.”
Pinto stressed the importance of ensuring students stay focused on learning and socialize more effectively during school hours. The bill would allow school officials to establish methods for storing phones during the day, such as secure storage rooms or locked magnetic pouches.
While some parents may be concerned about their ability to reach their children during school hours, others believe a ban would have positive effects on students’ attention span and relationships with peers. Local governments and school districts across the country have already implemented restrictions on cellphone use during school hours.
The bill requires support from two more council members to pass and take effect next school year.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com
