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Cell phones are taking over.   A chemistry teacher in California complained that kids were watching Netfix on their phones during class.   A teacher in Maryland says that students are using gambling apps during the school day AND placing bets.

In almost every classroom, students are sending Snapchat messages, listening to music and shopping online.  Many parents are not aware of the almost addictive like behavior kids have with their phones.  Maybe that’s because parents are behaving the same way.  

Most schools have rules regarding cell phone use.  The problem is that those rules are only sporadically enforced.  It’s too much trouble. Teachers don't want to get into the fight, especially since they don't feel supported by admin. Some teachers out and out admit that when a student is using her cell phone, she isn’t causing any behavior issues.

Governors and state legislators are getting into the act.  The Governor of Utah is urging all school districts to ban cell phones in school.  Last year, the Florida legislature passed a law that requires school districts to ban student cell phone use during class time and to block social media access on district WiFi.  Some districts like Orange County are banning phones altogether during the school day.

Nationally 77% of school districts prohibit cell phones for non-academic use.

But sort of like the speed limit on roads, enforcement and adherence are slim.

One teacher in Maryland bought a 36-slot cell phone caddy for students to store their phones.  But few students comply and some say they don’t have their phones, even if they do.  So he has given up and figures as long as they are quiet…

Students and parents push back saying they need to be in contact with their kids.  Kids need to be able to call parents.   REALLY- How did kids and families stay in touch before cell phones?   Amazingly, folks managed.

Students will tell you enforcement varies from teacher to teacher.   Teachers will tell you that enforcing the cell phone ban should be an administrators’ responsibility. Often students are calling their parents to complain about a teacher, but that's a story for another day.  The best working systems are those that require students to check their phones at the door with the assumption that every kid has a phone.   That system seems to work.

Next up to distract, are air pods under hoodies and hair  and smartwatches.  Students might need an administrative assistant to take their calls so they can have time to learn.