Recently, Gov. Spencer Cox called for the banning of cell phones in schools throughout Utah. His words to community councils throughout the state called for the removal of “cell phones from classrooms” and to create “cell phone-free learning environments.” I applaud his efforts and the earlier efforts of Rep. Trevor Lee in this matter. Cell phones are a distraction to learning.
I object to a total ban on cell phones in classrooms, as it restricts schools from teaching students about responsible technology use. Similar to the well-meaning programs, Just Say No and Sexual Risk Avoidance Education programs of the 1990s, a cell phone abstinence policy does not teach positive adult behaviors. Instead, the program could have extremely negative byproducts particularly in the area of digital citizenship.
As an adult who works with adolescents every day, I believe that many students will do whatever it takes to access their electronic devices. In the majority of public education classrooms, the primary goal is to cultivate responsible citizens. The foremost desire of the teacher is to create students who have integrity and value honesty, because these values lead to wonderful adults and citizens of our country. Implementing a wholesome cell phone ban would push many students in a situation where they will lie and cheat to have access to their preferred cellular device. As an educator, creating a coerced situation — however well-intentioned — will not lead to the desired results and, I fear, counter the values that are central to our country. The focus of schools should be teaching correct behavior that creates great citizens.
John Brumbaugh, Kaysville