SEATTLE — Safety is top of mind for many as the school year gets underway, especially as some local schools ban cellphones in the classroom.
Now researchers at the University of Washington are looking into the impacts these cellphone bans may have on students, teachers and parents.
"There's very little research out there and compare the efficacy of different policies,” said Lucia Magis-Weinberg, a UW assistant professor of psychology who’s launching a new study on the impacts of cellphone bans in schools.
"Many classrooms require students to leave [cellphones] in the front or a basket,” said Magis-Weinberg. “What's bit newer are the pouches. Students always keep the pouch with them so they have the phone with them, but they can't unlock the phone."
She and her team are hoping to survey at least 300 middle and high school students, teachers and parents throughout the school year at various schools in western Washington that are implementing a ban. She said the study is expected to have schools represented from Seattle Public Schools and the Peninsula School District.
"We know devices are distracting,” said Magis-Weinberg. “We know some students are listening to music. Some students are taking photos or videos."
In addition to being a distraction for the students, she said teachers she's spoken with said they would also prefer a school- or district-wide phone ban or policy. That way, they won't need to spend time monitoring during class or implementing their own personal rules.
"There's always different situations for every class, every day, every school,” said 11-year-old Sophie Dye, who attends Tyee Middle School in Bellevue. “I think overall though, phones are a good idea to have."
KING 5 spoke with Sophie and her mother Mina who were weighing in on the phone ban debate. "I have to say there are pros and cons with phones to be honest," said her mother Mina.
Both acknowledge that phone usage needs to be limited. Mina said as a parent, she would like the phones to be kept in a box in class, that students can access in case of emergencies.
“Having a phone is another device of ensuring the safety of your child," said Mina.
The UW report hopes to be another helpful tool for schools and districts to review after the school year is completed.