PHOENIX – Emphasizing the importance of reducing distractions in the classroom, enhancing academic performance, and creating safer learning environments, Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, is renewing his effort to pass legislation for a statewide school cell phone ban.
“Imagine being a teacher trying to instruct a class while students are distracted by their cell phones. Allowing this is outrageous. It significantly undermines student learning and adds unnecessary challenges for teachers who are already burdened. No teacher should have to compete with phones for students’ attention. The widespread use of cell phones in classrooms is robbing students of valuable instructional time, and research shows that it’s negatively impacting academic performance. This is simply unacceptable, and a statewide ban is crucial to eliminate these distractions,” said Horne.
He continued, “This legislation was approved by the legislature last year but was vetoed by the Governor, a decision that was both irrational and irresponsible. I urge the public to contact the Governor’s office to ensure this legislation is not vetoed again next year. Leaving this decision to individual districts means some teachers will still be forced to teach in classrooms where students are glued to their phones, a situation no teacher should have to face.”
Horne’s renewed push is supported by former Tucson public school teacher Mitchell Rutherford, who left the profession due to the overwhelming presence of mobile devices in the classroom that hampered his ability to teach effectively.
Several state legislators, including Sen. Shawnna Bolick, Rep. Beverly Pingerelli, Sen. T.J. Shope, and Rep. Matt Gress, along with governing board members like Susan Ward of Payson and Apache Junction district Superintendent Dr. Bob Papalardo, have also expressed their support for the proposed legislation.
