Genesee County Schools Say Enough Is Enough With Phones in Class

With a new school year comes new rules, and one that everyone is talking about is the ban on cell phones in class.

Both Mt. Morris and Flushing schools are saying no more phones in school. Honestly, I feel like this is long overdue, and hopefully, more districts will jump on board. Of course, not everyone feels the same way I do, including plenty of students and parents who aren’t exactly thrilled about the change.

In Mt. Morris, kids can still bring their phones with them, but once that first bell rings, they’ve got to be shut off and put away until the end of the day. The only time they can use them is before or after school.

According to MLive, Superintendent Mickie Kujat said the decision came after looking at research that shows phones can play a big role in anxiety, depression, and even poor sleep for teens.

Flushing High School is rolling out the same idea with their “Bell to Bell, No Cell” rule. That means phones have to stay put away, not just during class, but also in hallways while instruction is happening.

There will be some exceptions for medical reasons and emergencies, but overall, both schools are betting this will lead to more focus and less stress for students.

I’m sure it will be tough for phone-addicted kids at first, but in the long run, it’s going to be way better. Less scrolling, less drama, more learning, and maybe even a little less stress.