My name is Jennifer Vasquez and I am a student at Rancho Mirage High School. I am writing to you about your article “Gov. Newsom Urges Schools to Ban Smartphones on California Campuses.” I think cell phones should not be banned in schools because a lot of parents give their kids cell phones for safety reasons.
Parents give their kids cell phones for safety reasons because there have been a lot of school shootings in the United States. In the article, Gov. Gavin Newsom states, “The evidence is clear: reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions.” Gov. Newsom says that it will enhance social interactions and that is not completely true. Some people prefer to talk to people over the phone or text because some people have social anxiety.
Overall, schools should not ban phones. Instead, teachers make students put them in their backpacks or keep them somewhere where they are not going to get distracted by them.
Jennifer Vasquez, Desert Hot Springs
How are transit agencies protecting the safety of riders?
Hello, my name is Ivan Hernandez. I am a high school student that takes public transportation to get to my destinations. I wish to discuss the safety measures that are being taken due to the most recent bus hijacking related incidents in California in the course of six months. It is an issue that individuals face day to day when they rely on the local bus to get to work. What are transit agencies doing in response to ensure the safety of riders?
In Los Angeles, California, a 51-year-old man took a bus driver and passengers hostage which led to a pursuit. In a separate incident, a 48-year-old man that had just finished working at Dodgers Stadium and was on the bus going back home. He was shot and then later taken to a hospital where he died of his wounds. This has brought tensions and fear to local passengers that fear for their safety.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, in a commitment of the Biden and Harris administration, the federal transit administration announced required actions regarding the assaults on bus drivers and passengers riding the bus. A general directive is the first to be issued that will require the largest transit agencies nationwide in the United States to take actions to protect the people on board.
Ivan Hernandez, Rancho Mirage
Climate change is an urgent issue
When it comes to climate change, I believe that it is an urgent issue and has been for a long time. The Union of Concerned Scientists suggests that climate change can’t be stopped, but we can at least slow it down for future generations to come. Experts say that we only have two years left to save Earth from climate change. This is not a lot of time. Air pollution, diseases, burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees and forced displacements are causing climate change. Sea levels are rising every year, which is going to lead to coastal land loss. Climate change can affect our foods, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the weather we experience.
According to Greenpeace.org.uk , ways to slow down climate change are to keep fossil fuels in the ground, invest in renewable energy, switch to sustainable transportation, improve farming, protect the oceans, protect the forests and reduce plastic. If everyone just listened and recycled and did the stuff I just listed, we could set climate change a few years back.
Francisco Franco, Cathedral City
Students should be taught life skills in a class
As a student at Rancho Mirage High School, all schools should have a dedicated class to work on life skills. Students need to be able to learn the necessary skills for their adult life and help them be more prepared for the real world.
A significant amount of students believe that their schools should be able to help them prepare for life outside of school and education. Teenagers need to learn how to deal with their emotions and why they are having them. When they graduate high school or college, they have to deal with several things on their own. Edweek.org conducted a survey for students and 43% of students said their school needs “more changes,” and 9% of students said their school needs to make “a lot of changes”
Some parents or guardians don't assist their children when dealing with certain issues, which can lead to a large conflict in the future. It leads to them needing to figure out everything independently, which can be difficult.
When these skills aren't addressed while the brain is still in development, it can lead to violent outcomes or negative outbreaks. Schools need to have a class to help assist students with life skills.
Layla Daigle, Cathedral City
On the responsibility of celebrities
My name is Mia Bonilla. I am a student at Rancho Mirage High School. I am writing to share my thoughts on the responsibility of celebrities as role models in today's society.
Celebrities hold significant influence over public perception and behavior, particularly among younger audiences. Their visibility can inspire positive change or contribute to negative stereotypes, making it essential for them to recognize their potential impact. While celebrities are individuals entitled to their personal choices, their platforms amplify their actions and messages. When they engage in philanthropy, advocate for social issues, or model healthy behaviors, they can encourage fans to adopt similar values. Conversely, when they promote harmful lifestyles or ideologies, the repercussions can be far reaching. In an era where social media amplifies voices, the responsibility of celebrities as role models becomes even more pronounced. They should be aware that their actions can set trends and influence millions. Ultimately, while not all celebrities may choose to be role models, those who embrace this role can create a meaningful and positive impact on society.
Mia Bonilla, Palm Springs
Ways to bond with your dog
To bond with your dog, take them to the park for playtime. Some dogs enjoy fetch, while others prefer a leisurely walk. Provide toys for variety. Each dog is unique, so discover what activities they enjoy. Social interaction is important, so arrange playdates or consider getting another dog for companionship.
Another way to spend time with your dog is a simple game of tug of war. Some people avoid playing tug of war because they worry it will encourage their dog to be controlling and aggressive. However, it's a gratifying game for most dogs and provides a fantastic outlet for their natural behaviors. When playing tug of war with your dog, it's important to let them win the toy occasionally. If they always lose, they might not want to play anymore.
Most dogs like to walk around with the toy in their mouth, and you can encourage them to come back to you by clapping softly and moving backward. They will learn that bringing the toy back to you continues the fun. When your dog is playing with toys, ensure that the toy has no small objects inside that can become a choking hazard. To overcome this, you have to get your dog a big toy so they would not choke on it.
Playing hide and seek with your dog is a fun way to spend time together. Remember not to make it too difficult for your dog, and always reward them when they find you. It's a great way for your dog to use their sense of smell and have some fun!
Nestor Sanchez, Cathedral City
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Student letters: 'Schools should not ban phones'
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