During Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, she put out a call to lawmakers to restrict cell phone use in the classroom.
Whitmer referenced worrying data around the way phones have infiltrated children’s lives, saying “95% [of kids] have access to a smartphone and half say they’re online ‘almost constantly.’”
Kids aren’t just on their phones at home. Teachers say keeping children’s attention in the classroom is even harder now that cellphones have become so commonplace.
The Whitmer administration is also concerned with cell phones usage’s effects on students’ mental health and social wellbeing.
Whitmer proposes legislation to restrict cell phone use in schools
To highlight the issue, Whitmer shared a story of a mom named Amy in Rochester Hills who went on a field trip with her daughter recently.
“You all remember field trips… the bus ride over was loud, full of excitement about the day ahead,” Whitmer said in her speech. “Amy’s bus was silent–kids were glued to their phones.”
Whitmer stated that passing bipartisan legislation limiting phone use in class is on the agenda.
“We’ve seen encouraging data about how commonsense restrictions on phone-use during class lead to more learning and less bullying,” Whitmer said. “Kids listen, raise their hands and make more friends.”
“Three-quarters say they feel happy or peaceful without their phone,” Whitmer added. “That’s what school should be about.”
Whitmer administration’s other proposals for student health
Whitmer’s State of the State address also covered another major concern for children’s health and wellness: vaping.
Again, Whitmer shared troubling facts, stating that almost 14% of high school students use vapes. About 90% of smokers begin before they’re out of high school.
Whitmer proposed taxing vapes similarly to how cigarettes are taxed. She made the case that 32 other states already collect those higher taxes on vapes.
Whitmer’s administration estimates that the new tax would generate $57 million annually, which would be used for smoking prevention, among other youth health initiatives, reports Bridge Detroit.
“In 2025, let’s get it done to protect our kids,” Whitmer said.
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