Other Resources
U.S. Surgeon General's Youth Mental Health Social Media Advisory
Kansas State Board of Education's Task Force on Student Screen Time Report
"Away For The Day" (AFTD)
AFTD is a national movement empowering parents, teachers, community leaders, and advocates to implement policies that require students to put devices away throughout the school day. The initiative provides practical tools and resources for creating phone-free learning environments where devices are stored in lockers, backpacks, or turned in.
Boulder Valley School District has approved a new ‘bell to bell’ ban
On November 21, 2024, the Boulder Valley School District approved a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones throughout the school day. This comprehensive ban underscores the district’s commitment to minimizing distractions and fostering focus in classrooms.
Kansas task force recommends that students not have phone access during school day
A Blue Ribbon Task Force presented findings to the Kansas State Board of Education on November 15, 2024, advocating for cell phones to be turned off and kept away throughout the school day. This recommendation aligns with broader efforts to promote uninterrupted learning and reduced screen time for students (The Topeka Capital Journal, 2024).
Take Cell Phones Out of the Classroom, Educators Say
neaToday, October 3, 2024
Educators nationwide are championing stricter cell phone policies to address disruptions caused by device usage. According to neaToday (October 3, 2024), this teacher-led movement has gained momentum as schools recognize the impact of unchecked cell phone access on classroom engagement and productivity.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
AVID highlights the challenges of managing distractions from platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, particularly for English Language Learners (ELLs) who face additional barriers to focus and engagement. Their September 2018 article emphasizes the importance of creating structured, distraction-free environments to help students develop critical academic and interpersonal skills (AVID, 2018).