Focus on learning

The Aurora 4R School Board deserves the community’s full support for sending a strong message to students last month by banning the use of cell phones during school hours.
This decision will not be unanimously popular, which was evident in some of the social media reactions posted by students. However, the goal of providing an environment free from distractions and the constant allure of social media, games and messaging makes any pushback pale in comparison to the benefits of a phone-free classroom.
Teachers and administrators must be consistent in their enforcement of this new policy, which in and of itself will be a challenge. This is a message worth sending to youth, which makes it a policy worth enforcing, consistently.
One of the most pressing reasons to ban cell phones in our schools is their potential to distract students. Numerous studies have shown that students who use their phones frequently during school hours tend to have lower academic performance. The constant buzzing, beeping, and vibrating can interrupt the flow of teaching and learning, making it difficult for both students and teachers to maintain focus and productivity.
School is not just a place for academic learning, as we all know. It is also a critical environment for social development, which studies have shown can be impeded by using cell phones rather than face-to-face interactions, which are essential for developing communication skills, empathy, and healthy relationships. When students are glued to their screens, they simply miss out on valuable opportunities to engage with their peers and teachers, and if repeated at this critical stage of life could form harmful habits. Banning cell phones should encourage more meaningful interactions and help students develop the social skills they need to succeed in life.
The impact of cell phones on mental health is another significant concern. Excessive use of social media and exposure to cyberbullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By banning cell phones, Aurora Public Schools can create a safer and more supportive environment for students, reducing the risk of these negative outcomes.
Supt. Jody Phillips hit the nail on the head when speaking in support of this policy change, saying: “If we can give kids six to seven hours of phone-free living in the present, real world, I think that although it might not be what they want, it will help them in general on the mental side of things to be here and interact, and not be engaged with whatever it is on their phones.” Well said!
It may take time, even years, and wisdom gained through age and perspective, but students may eventually thank the board for silencing their ever-present cell phones during school hours while at Aurora High School.
­­–– Kurt Johnson