U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the latest national figure to support cellphone restrictions in schools, joining a growing chorus of policymakers, educators, and parents across the political spectrum who say phones are getting in the way of student learning and well-being. [NBC News]
Why it Matters
With concerns mounting about students’ mental health and classroom focus, more states are turning to cellphone bans as a common-sense solution. RFK Jr.’s comments this week brought new attention to the trend—and added his own health-focused framing to the debate. [Education Week]
Driving the News
In a March 20 interview with Fox & Friends, RFK Jr. said reducing cellphone use in schools could help curb anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance. He praised states that have moved forward with restrictions and spotlighted a Virginia high school where leaders say student engagement has improved.
Go Deeper
In recent weeks, a spate of experts from Jonathan Haidt to Securly CEO Tammy Mank Wincup have also weighed in on the safety-distraction tradeoff in the classroom. As of March 28, 19 states have passed laws or issued guidance to restrict cellphones in school and at least six others are considering similar measures. This week, the Georgia legislature passed legislation that would ban cellphones in schools. [The Associated Press]
What’s Next
Expect this conversation to continue gaining traction in statehouses, school boards, and parent communities nationwide. With policymakers and educators focused on academic recovery and student well-being, cellphone policy may remain one of the rare education issues drawing bipartisan agreement.
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