Rethinking Cellphones in Schools

Oklahoma Representative John Talley-District 33.

By Rep. John Talley

November 5 is Election Day across the country, and I want to remind Oklahomans to visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp to find important information to help you vote, such as a preview of your ballot and the location of your polling place. You can find additional information at oklahoma.gov/elections or by calling your county election board.

Meanwhile, at the State Capitol, we are wrapping up interim studies for the year. One particularly interesting study this week focused on the prevalence of cellphones in schools. I think many lawmakers and educators can agree that cellphone usage in classrooms undermines students’ focus and leads to learning loss.

Senators Adam Pugh and Ally Seifried held this study to gather more information after a bill they worked on did not advance in the Senate earlier this spring. The study spanned two days, and I want to share the highlights because I believe the evidence was compelling.

We heard from experts at Stanford University and the University of North Carolina about how addictive smartphones are and how they are purposely designed to draw and keep your attention. These researchers pointed out the correlations between cellphone usage and rising rates of anxiety, loneliness, and suicide among students, which has escalated since cellphones became common among teens around 2012.

Today, one in five high school students in Oklahoma reports that social media is damaging to their self-image, which raises concerns about how to protect their mental health as they continue to grow up.

We heard directly from educators both at the administrative level and in the classrooms. Brenda Taylor, superintendent of Oklahoma Union Public Schools, told legislators that she worked with parents and school board members to implement a cellphone policy, which set guidelines for how students can use their cellphones on campus.

Though it just went into effect this year, they’ve already seen significant improvements in student focus and outcomes. The initiative has not only bolstered academic performance but also revitalized essential interpersonal skills, which are very important in today’s job market.

However, there are valid concerns to consider as well. Many parents are understandably worried about not being able to contact their kids, especially in our dangerous world.

If you are interested in watching the study, you can visit oksenate.gov and click on the Media tab, then visit Live Proceedings. From there, go to View Our Live Senate Sessions. At that screen, you can view livestreams from that day, or you can view a calendar at the left side of the screen. The study on cellphones was held on two days, October 22 and 23, with a break for lunch, so it’s split into three livestreams across both days.

In my visits with superintendents, they have all asked that the Legislature take action to give them guidance on this issue. However, there are still many discussions to be had about whether the Legislature should set a standard policy or direct each school district to make these decisions independently. Regardless of the approach, it is clear that there are many people who believe a cellphone-free classroom helps students thrive.

A few months ago, the governor issued the Oklahoma Phone-Free School Challenge, inviting students, teachers, and superintendents statewide to propose solutions for managing cell phone use in schools. Participants have until Nov. 29 to submit suggestions, which may be included in a report listing out recommendations for best practices to make schools phone-free.

As always, please call my office at (405) 557-7304 or email me at [email protected] if there’s anything I can help with. Thank you for the honor of representing House District 33.

Rep. John Talley, a Republican, serves District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Logan and Payne Counties.