Cellphone bans

Officials from three Colorado school districts discussed implementing cellphone bans to reduce classroom distractions and improve student focus. The Colorado Springs School District 11 and Denver Public Schools have adopted bell-to-bell bans, while Mesa County Valley School District 51 cited research linking phone use to anxiety and depression. Parents expressed concerns about emergency communication, but officials emphasized alternative methods like school landlines.

Parents and advocates are pushing to limit technology in schools, targeting 1-on-1 devices like Chromebooks, iPads, and laptops after successful cellphone bans. Despite significant investments in these devices during the pandemic, concerns about distractions are leading to new restrictions.