I’M opposed to bans because they rarely solve anything but I’m making an exception for a ban on mobile phones in schools as implemented in several countries. I will focus on the recent “bell to bell” ban on mobile phones in New York schools that has resulted in a “teen social revival”, as the press is calling it. The ban, implemented in May, was done to create “a distraction-free environment” in schools. “Our kids will finally be free from the endless interruptions of social media and the mental health pressures that come along with it,” said Governor Kathy Holcul.

The policy allows provisions for emergencies as well as methods for parents to contact their children. Students can carry a flip pho­ne without internet capability and can use internet-abled devices provided by schools. It is a well-thought-out policy but, more importantly, it has seen remarkable results.

“Within weeks teachers began to notice an incidental (and arguably, even more compelling) benefit: The teens were talking to one another … there’s a pleasant buzz in the lunchroom, chatter in the hallways,” reported New York Mag last week.

Futurism magazine noted “actual human interaction flourishes” and teens are playing cards at lunch, board games, learning........

© Dawn