A Senate-approved bill to require public school students to either turn off or stow away their cell phones during instructional time receives approval from the House Education Committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell wants to eliminate what is a major distraction from the classroom.
“We’ve given young people the most addictive device ever created and we’ve told them ‘put it in your pocket and go learn,'” Mizell said.
House Education passed the measure on a ten-to-one vote. The lone no vote was from Gray Representative Beryl Amedee.
“If I had a student in school today, I would require my child to have a cell phone, and have it with them. Not necessarily turned on, but be in control of their own phone so that, should they need to contact me or should I need to contact them, we have an avenue,” Amedee said.
Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine expressed concern about students not having a phone during an emergency.
“My concern is, by not allowing them to have it on their person, is if there’s an emergency. If there’s, God forbid, like an active shooter situation.
Mizell says during an active shooter situation, students should be focusing on hiding and being quiet.
“The whole idea that you want every kid to be taking out a phone and calling parents is the exact opposite of the safety protocol,” Mizell said.
The measure heads to the House floor. It’s already passed the Senate so it’s close to reaching the governor’s desk. If signed into law, it will go into effect for the next school year.
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