Kids get smarter without smartphones in class
Huntington, L.I.: Re “Expel smartphones from schools” (editorial, March 31): You poignantly and prophetically provided a much needed reminder and silver lining of hope in what too often feels like a sea of despair, disrepair and discontent in the pillars of our communities and schools. It was a clarion common-sense call that will unequivocally save and serve a generation of children, “and it doesn’t involve investing billions of dollars.”
It’s our obligation, especially in post-pandemic times, to restore a sense of stability and boundaries in the classroom. Ideas, dialogue, curiosity and conversation lifts minds and spirits without the shackles of smartphones endlessly distracting children. Our kids desperately need a haven, a sanctuary, to learn in. Far too many don’t have that space at home, making it that much more significant and meaningful to their lives.
As you pointed out, even the surgeon general acknowledged that “harm to young people’s mental health” is having a disastrous effect on our teenagers, who “are online almost constantly.” We must do something, and do it now. It is an epidemic in schools across our country, and thankfully, “thousands of schools nationwide are saying no” to smartphones in class. Your point was so spot-on: “Before cell phones, parents and children managed to connect when needed.” Kids can still bring phones to school, but when on school grounds and in class, kids “need to be present, be together, and be on — which means keeping the phone off and out of sight.” Bravo. Brilliantly and simply said!
Chris N. Karalekas