You can expect lawmakers to consider a bill which is expected to impact the usage of cell phones in schools. While the effort was attempted last session, it didn’t make it across the finish line.
Oklahoma Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Adam Pugh and Vice-Chair Senator Ally Seifried held a two-day interim study to examine a way forward. The study included a line up of teachers, school administrators, mental health experts, a psychiatrist, and a neuroscientist.
Those presenting pointed to the issues students face with the increased usage of smartphones and social media in school. They pointed to a correlation between kids’ phone use and poor academic performance and rising mental health issues, including anxiety.
Pugh said he wants Oklahoma to be a leader to address a problem occurring in classrooms nationwide.
“The effects of social media and excessive device usage have significantly impacted the mental health, social skills, academic progress, and literacy rates of Oklahoma students, and exacerbated other concerns such as cyberbullying. The expertise and classroom experiences shared during this comprehensive interim study indicated that urgent action is needed to help school districts address these unique challenges. Our committee is dedicated to fostering positive learning outcomes for students across our state, and we will continue to explore legislative solutions to mitigate the issues associated with cell phone use in schools,” said Pugh.
Seifried is ready to take the information learned in the interim study and turn it into legislative action.
“This study reinforces what many of us already know: Cell phones are undoubtedly a distraction in schools, negatively impacting students’ mental health and academic performance. Our job now is to build on this momentum and craft policies that restrict phone use from bell to bell in a manner that supports our schools and our dedicated educators.
“I’m committed to working with parents, teachers, administrators and mental health professionals to find a way to get smartphones out of classrooms so Oklahoma students can reach their full potential at school and at home,” said Seifried.
