Knoxville Schools Implement Cell Phone Bans to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Schools Take a Stand Against Cell Phones

In recent weeks, two local schools in Knoxville have made headlines by implementing bans on personal electronic devices during the school day. While Tennessee doesn’t have a statewide ban, these districts believe they are onto something huge! The Morristown-Hamblen West High School and the Emerald Academy have both opted to restrict the use of cell phones, AirPods, and smartwatches, and early reports suggest that it’s paying off in ways no one predicted.

Why the Ban?

As more studies roll in, the evidence continues to suggest that phones can negatively impact students’ learning and mental health. The Pew Research Poll recently revealed that a significant majority of high school teachers feel that smartphones are a major distraction in the classroom. It’s easy to get distracted when your phone is buzzing with notifications, and sometimes that distraction leads to serious problems.

The superintendent of Hamblen County Schools, Arnold Bunch, shared that they were experiencing a host of issues due to phones, including bullying, classroom interruptions, and even fights. “We had bullying that was being done over the phone. We would have interruptions while [students] were in class,” he explained. In response, Bunch initiated a month-long communication campaign to educate everyone involved about the policy changes.

The Response from Families

Surprisingly, the response was overwhelmingly positive. With nearly 3,000 students in the district, Bunch received only 19 emails from parents, most of which were supportive. Once the Hamblen County School Board passed the new policy in April, the ban went into effect immediately.

Echoing Bunch’s thoughts, teachers and students alike seem to be embracing the change. “We’ve had multiple kids say, ‘This is not that bad. This is kind of nice not to have to worry about my phone,” said teacher Lindsey David. Laura Singleton, another teacher, noted, “Within a month our whole staff had a different morale about them because it was one less battle we were constantly having to fight.” Imagine that – no more fights between teachers and students over technology!

Classroom Engagement Boosts

Perhaps one of the most encouraging outcomes of this ban is the improvement in student engagement. Bunch shared a telling observation: “I measure success really pretty simply. I go into the cafeteria—it’s louder. Kids are not at the table next to each other texting each other; they are actually looking each other in the eye and talking to each other.” It’s nice to see students engaging face-to-face, isn’t it?

Emerald Academy’s Approach

Just across town, the Emerald Academy decided enough was enough—they banned personal electronics as of July when students returned from summer break. Academy director Carlissa Weeks explained that they had incidents where students were distracted by their phones during critical instructional time, even in the bathroom. “Out of the eight to ten [incidents] that we maybe had last year, 80% to 90% of them had to do with cell phones,” she remarked.

Emerald Academy invested in Yondr pouches, which lock up students’ phones during the school day. This system cost the academy around $6,000, but parents have mostly been on board with the idea. While some did express concern about contacting their children during emergencies, Weeks reassured them that every classroom is equipped with phones that can be used at any time.

The Results of Going Phone-Free

Just three months into the policy, teachers are already noticing a transformation. Michelle Cutlan, a science teacher at the academy, pointed out that “when you don’t have your phone distracting you, you’re not hurrying to get your work done so you can check your phone.” Meanwhile, eighth-grader Danielle Hill shared her experience of initial separation anxiety, but she quickly recognized the benefits. She noticed her grades improved and her mental health was on the upswing as well. “Taking that away for a couple of hours in the school day makes it better than having access to your phone all day,” she said.

One proud grandmother, Laverne Thompson, shared that her granddaughter decided to leave her phone at home. “You hear laughter in the hallway, during lunchtime in the cafeteria. It’s so loud they are engaged with each other,” Cutlan added, and what lovely sounds those must be!

What Are Your Thoughts?

As these schools embrace a new era of learning without phones, we want to know how you feel about the idea of banning personal electronic devices in schools. Does it concern you when it comes to reaching your child in an emergency? Or do you think this distraction-free environment is what students really need? We’d love to hear your thoughts!