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GREENWOOD DIST. – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is urging schools across his state to adopt phone-free schools, a stance he says is critical for addressing distractions and improving academic performance. His call for action follows the deadly school shooting at Appalachia High School in Windsor, Georgia, which has reignited national debates about school safety. However, Stitt’s push for reducing cell phone use clashes with a new parent poll revealing that the majority of parents want their children to have phones at school for safety and communication purposes.
In a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Governor Stitt expressed concerns about the role of cell phones in schools. “We’re seeing more and more evidence pointing to cell phones and social media as the cause of distraction, bullying, and learning difficulties in our schools,” he said. “As governor and as a dad, I want to fix it, but I know government sometimes makes one-size-fits-all directives, and that’s the problem, not the solution.”
Stitt is not proposing a state mandate to ban phones but is instead issuing what he calls the “Oklahoma Phone-Free School Challenge.” He encouraged schools to develop their own solutions, such as phone drop-off boxes or charging stations. “Your schools will get more information about how to participate in this challenge,” he said, adding that students perform better academically when they are distraction-free from “bell to bell.”
Seven States Implement Varied Policies on Cell Phone Use in Schools, Balancing Bans and Public Input
As of September 4, seven states — Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia — have implemented statewide policies that either ban or restrict cell phone use in schools, according to KFF. These states have adopted varied approaches, with some banning phone use entirely, while others impose restrictions on both the use and possession of devices.
In Indiana, students are prohibited from using any portable wireless device, including cellphones and laptops, during instructional time unless explicitly allowed by teachers or administrators. Virginia, meanwhile, has taken a different route by tasking state officials with gathering public opinion on the issue. This feedback will be used to define “cell phone-free education” and to create model implementation plans and policy guidance for school districts.
Parents Push Back on Stitt’s Phone-Free Schools as Poll Shows 78% Want Phones for Safety and Emergency Communication
Despite Stitt’s well-intentioned challenge, his stance is facing significant pushback from parents. A new survey from the National Parents Union found that 78% of parents want their children to have cell phones at school, citing safety concerns as the primary reason. Many believe that in the event of an emergency, the ability to communicate directly with their children is non-negotiable.
“When there are emergencies at school, being able to directly communicate with your child to ensure they are safe is critically important, and too often schools are dropping the ball on effective communication,” said Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union.
Cell Phones Prove Lifesaving During Uvalde and Parkland Shootings, Highlighting Their Role in School Emergencies
During both the Uvalde, Texas (2022) and Parkland, Florida (2018) school shootings, students used their cell phones to communicate with law enforcement, report their locations, and seek help. In the Uvalde shooting, students inside Robb Elementary School made several 911 calls while trapped with the shooter, which later became a significant part of the investigation into the police response. Similarly, during the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, students used their phones to contact law enforcement and their families.
These incidents highlight the importance of cell phones during emergencies, particularly in school shooting scenarios.
Rodrigues also pointed out that cell phone bans or restrictions often overlook the tragic real-life scenarios that can occur in schools. “Despite what so-called ‘experts’ might think, we aren’t texting our kids memes or asking them what the latest TikTok trend is,” she said.
Rodrigues emphasized that any policy restricting cell phone use should consider parents’ concerns. “Before policymakers think they’re solving a problem by banning phones in school, they should talk to actual parents to understand why the line of communication during the school day is so important,” she added.
Parents Demand a Say in School Phone Policies as Concerns Over Safety and Technology Risks Grow
The poll, conducted by the National Parents Union, surveyed parents across the country and found that 76% of public school students currently bring their phones to school. Nearly half of the parents surveyed said that their child’s school imposes some restrictions on cell phone use, while 46% reported complete bans except for students with medical conditions. However, 30% of parents said their school did not seek their input when developing phone policies.
Rodrigues advocates for a more balanced approach, suggesting that instead of blanket phone bans, schools should address the broader challenges posed by technology, including the dangers of inappropriate social media content. “Let’s get the Kids Online Safety Act passed so our kids are not victims of inappropriate social media content,” she said. “And on cell phone policies, let’s commit to ensuring that any policies that are developed are done so at the local school level and take into account the diverse views of students, families, and teachers within the school community.”
As the debate continues, it remains unclear how many Oklahoma schools will take up Stitt’s challenge. While the governor’s intentions aim to foster a more focused learning environment, the growing concern among parents about school safety could make the push for phone-free schools a hard sell.
For now, the conversation between policymakers, educators, and parents is only beginning. Stitt’s challenge may just be the first step in a broader dialogue about the role of technology in classrooms, but as Rodrigues put it, “The concerns of American parents are real and deserve to be considered.”