Recently, Gov. Spencer Cox signed into law Senate Bill 178. Effectively, this bill bans the use of cellphones at Utah schools during classroom hours.
For those unaware, Treasure has been piloting a program this year to completely remove cellphones during school hours using the Yondr Pouch. At the beginning each day, students magnetically lock their phones in the pouches, where they remain for the rest of the day. The school has a very consistent policy for those in violation of the rules, and teachers are empowered to act in accordance with that guidance.
New Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman and Park City High School’s incoming principal, Caleb Fine, recently held a community meeting to recap the Yondr Pouch usage at Treasure. The open forum included a panel of four teachers who were asked to share their experiences with the new program to an audience of Park City parents.
Without surprise, all four of the teachers had positive things to say about removing cellphones from the classroom. From reduced bullying to increased classroom participation, the Yondr Pouch pilot program was a success by all measures.
The Park Record opinion section is often full of Trump and Vail Resorts hate. Let’s pause for a moment on all of that and focus on what really matters for the future of this community: our children.
We’ve been handed a gift by the Utah lawmakers. Nationwide, school cellphone bans are gaining bipartisan traction from California to Tennessee. The harm that these devices are doing to children is undeniable. Our ban is a no-brainer and should be expanded to all Park City schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Ms. Huntsman has asked for feedback from the community regarding the district’s way forward. I have yet to hear a comprehensive and compelling argument for why children need cellphones at school, but if you are on that side of the fence, I ask you to write an opinion piece in this forum and share your feedback.
Until then, I implore Ms. Huntsman and Mr. Fine to take the most progressive stance on this issue in accordance with the law. Please, get these devices completely out of our schools during taxpayer-funded learning time.
Brian George
Park City