Debate to ban cellphones in schools

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Do cell phones have a place in classrooms? It’s a question that continues to spark hot debate around the nation and in northeastern Pennsylvania.

There is an effort underway in Harrisburg that would, if successful, result in a cell phone in classrooms.

The debate over whether to ban cell phone use in classrooms has raged on for the last several years, but lawmakers say they hope to answer the question once and for all: Will a ban actually help students learn and help their overall well-being?

Do classroom and cell phones mix? That’s the question lawmakers hope to answer with a pilot program being offered to school districts in the Commonwealth.

“Let’s collect all the cell phones at the beginning of the day and let’s give them back to the kids at the end of the day. If you want to do this the state will give you money to complete this study. Let’s see if it indeed grades and test scores get better,” said Senator Dave Argall.

Senator Dave Argall says data suggests that cell phones do have an impact on students and the learning environment.

“We’ve seen a lot of information that indicates that too much cell phone use in schools hurts academic performance it hurts test scores. It hurts grades it hurts a lot of things,” Senator Argall added.

The Hanover Area School District already bans cell phone use in classrooms, but students can access phones during lunch.

The superintendent, Nathan Barrett, says they don’t have any data on the impact on academics.

“Well, our physical violence, our fights are down our bullying online has dropped. Fighting has dropped nearly 70%,” Barrett said.

What do students think about the ban?

“I really don’t think it’s a big deal I mean some people think so but I never use my phone in school I think it’s distracting,” Student Amelia Gawronkiewicz said.

“So if you put them away and doing your work and actually come here to learn I don’t think it’s a big problem,” a student, Noah Dewey, weighed in.

Gabriel Gonzalez from Wilkes-Barre has two kids in school. For him, it’s a safety issue.

“For protection of my son and daughter when I’m not there, the best thing to do is give them the phone,” Gonzalez said.

Wilkes-Barre Area School District does not have a cell phone policy. The legislation now goes to the House for consideration.

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