Should Kids Have Smartphones in the Classroom?

Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life, but should they have a place in the classroom? Half of U.S. states have recently passed laws restricting or banning phones in schools, igniting a passionate national debate. Some parents say phones are vital for student safety and emotional regulation. Others argue they’re fueling a mental health crisis and stifling face-to-face connection. Students are caught in the middle, and teachers are left to enforce policies that vary widely from school to school. How do we balance safety, learning, and connection for students in a world where phones are always within reach? Guests: Sabine Polak, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement (https://phonefreeschoolsmovement.org/) Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union (https://nationalparentsunion.org/) Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology and Education and author of Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World (https://iste.org/) Anna Clayton, high school student in Utah (https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2025/02/14/voices-i-want-my-fellow-young/) Doug Welton, Utah Republican State Representative Nina, high school teacher CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Student Perspective 04:56 Utah's Phone Ban Bill 07:23 Parental Concerns 09:33 The Phone Free Schools Movement 15:16 The National Parents Union's Stance 22:58 Teacher's Perspective 26:29 Challenges and Concerns with Phone Bans 29:12 Positive Approaches to Technology Use in Schools 30:46 Implementing Effective Technology Norms 37:48 Promoting Safe and Positive Device Use 40:08 Final Thoughts