Why Akron Public Schools need to ban student phones during classes
(This opinion article represents the collective viewpoint of the Akron Beacon Journal's Editorial Board, which includes two editors and four community members.)
It's difficult for most adults to understand how smartphones and social media have changed the dynamic of schools and classrooms everywhere.
Or should we say disrupted?
As the Beacon Journal detailed in an exhaustive article on police reports filed at Akron Public Schools, student phones are involved in many of the 240 incidents officers filed reports on in 74 school days last fall. The overwhelming data strongly backs safety concerns raised by Akron teachers during contentious contract negotiations that nearly led to a strike this month.
Beyond distracting students from lessons, phones are used to shoot video of fights for social media posts, including at least one occasion where many were ready to film an anticipated confrontation. One girl was sent a nude photo of herself, while another was the subject of a sex video shared with nearby students. And when teachers try to stop phone use, many say they often get verbally abused and openly defied by students addicted to their phones.
So, we welcome the Akron Board of Education's decision to discuss possible changes to the district's policy on student phones, which already allows teachers to stop them from being used during class. Akron also sent a team to Dayton this past week to gather information on that district's new policy banning phones during school hours.
Dayton uses Yondr, a system designed to create phone-free spaces for schools, organizations and even artists who don't wish to be recorded during shows. Students, who still have access to Chromebook computers, are required to place their phones, headphones and smart watches in a pouch that locks when closed. Pouches can be unlocked at designated areas of the school at the end of the day.
We realize no phone policy alone will solve the student conduct problem confronting schools in Akron and elsewhere. Students have been fighting in school for generations. Nor will a policy stop students from sexting after class or reacting to the never-ending social media pressures many feel.
As detailed in our reporting, student behavior is a byproduct of the violent culture of our communities, including some parents who openly question police, teachers and administrators. Some parents even come ready to fight other parents when summoned to school to pick up their children.
But a stronger phone policy — including clear consequences for violations — would support teachers and help those who want to learn in class be more successful.
Parents undoubtedly will offer reasonable concerns about their ability to reach students during potential in-school emergencies, although Chromebooks do provide the ability for emails to be sent and received. They also can call schools if they have an urgent need to speak with their child.
Then there's the question of what to do to those who violate the policy or commit acts of violence. Expelling more students solves one problem while creating others for our society. We won't need more young people on the streets with nothing to do.
As we've noted before, it's unfair to blame Akron or any district for the monumental societal issues children bring into the schools. But it's fair to expect reasonable and competent management of student behavior to protect teachers and children.
A tougher phone policy would be a step in the right direction.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron school board should consider ban on student phones
