The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.

The ban would take effect in January after details are approved in a future
meeting by the Board of Education, with the goal of enforcing it across a
student’s entire time at school, including lunch and other breaks.

“Our students are glued to their cellphones, not unlike adults,” said board
member Nick Melvoin, who spearheaded the resolution. “They’re
surreptitiously scrolling in school, in class time, or have their head in
their hands, walking down the hallways. They’re not talking to each other or
playing at lunch or recess because they have their AirPods in.”

The board action adds momentum to growing campaigns in California to
restrict or eliminate cellphone use at schools amid reports about how the
devices, coupled with the use of social media, coincide with skyrocketing
anxiety and other harms to children.

State leaders are moving in the same direction as L.A. Unified.

California Assembly Bill 3216, introduced in February, would require school
districts to adopt a policy to limit or prohibit student use of smartphones
while at school or under the supervision of a school employee. The law would
go into effect July 1, 2026.

The measure has the support of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

On Monday, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy asserted that social media use
has become so prevalent and potentially damaging among young people that
Congress should require warning labels on the online platforms, similar to
those found on cigarette boxes.

“As the Surgeon General affirmed, social media is harming the mental health
of our youth,” Newsom said in a statement to The Times. “I look forward to
working with the Legislature to restrict the use of smartphones during the
school day. When children and teens are in school, they should be focused on
their studies — not their screens.”

The Los Angeles Board of Education, at the suggestion of Supt. Alberto
Carvalho, agreed to expand the resolution in an additional direction by
targeting social media companies for potential litigation.

“I believe now’s the time for Los Angeles Unified to take a legal position,”
Carvalho said, “that may include litigation against these powerful giant
social media entities, who, for profit, are engaging in predatory behaviors
and actions to capture the attention that will eventually victimize kids
through a well-documented decaying of their mental health.”

The board resolution passed by a 5-2 vote.

All the board members expressed concerns over the harms of cellphone use and
social media on students — as well as concerns that any ban should be
carried out with full consideration of student and family needs.

Board President Jackie Goldberg, who co-sponsored the resolution, recounted
a recent visit to a high school where she sat down with students sitting
together at a table during lunch.

“I thought we could have a chance just to informally talk,” Goldberg
recounted. “All of them took out their cellphones.”

That was only the first surprise.

“I thought they were contacting other people,” Goldberg said. “They were
talking to each other on their cellphones, rather than with their voices and
their mouths. ... This is an addiction that is serious.”

Another board co-sponsor, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, said her student advisory
council has raised valid concerns.

“We’ve seen in classrooms sometimes kids will forget their Chromebook, and
they’ll hop on their iPhone instead,” Franklin said. “So we need to make
sure we’ve got plenty of Chromebooks so that students are not relying on
their personal iPhones to access school materials.

“The other thing I thought was interesting from [student] leaders is that
they use text messaging to communicate about clubs and teams and events
they’re planning and things that need to change last minute,” Franklin said.
“It made me wonder if there were an app that could be on their Chromebooks —
where they could be texting and communicating” with appropriate supervision.

Board member George McKenna voted no over concerns about the totality of the
ban, although he said he was open to ongoing discussion of the matter.

He said it was important to respect student ownership over something that
was important to them, especially for students from low-income families. He
recalled that years ago, when he was a principal, students would be
devastated at the thought of parting with the boomboxes they carried around.

He also wondered if a civil rights lawsuit would be launched over the
matter.

Board member Rocio Rivas voted yes, but also was concerned that a cellphone
ban be carried out equitably, respecting the different life situations of
families.

Melvoin said the conversation has evolved from making sure that all have
access to technology to making sure that students are protected from it.

“Some of the most expensive schools in the city and in this country have
[had] phone-free policies in place for years because they’ve seen those
effects,” Melvoin said.

Board member Scott Schmerelson voted no because he said it was important to
make a distinction between instructional time and noninstructional time.

Elements to be worked out include different approaches for various age
groups and a range of technologies, such as smartwatches.

Board member Kelly Gonez, who voted yes, noted that recent immigrants use
smartphones for translation. Such allowances would need to be considered,
she said.

Options to carry out the ban under consideration include providing cellphone
lockers or pouches that keep devices locked up and inaccessible until
they’re tapped against a magnetic device when exiting campus. Technology
also could be used to block access to social media platforms.

Some parents, however, want their children to have cellphones for safety and
communication, and school administrators say the ban could be difficult to
enforce.

Supporters who spoke Tuesday included a district middle school principal who
said such a ban has improved the learning environment at his campus.

Also endorsing the resolution was Venice High math teacher Jessica Quindel,
who likened the struggle to manage cellphone use to a draining, nonstop
marathon.

She joined Venice High School’s Phone Free-er Focus Group, a group of 10
teachers who successfully pushed the school staff toward setting up the
campus as a largely phone-free zone.

“Enforcement is the hardest thing because there is not enough staff to
constantly take away phones and call home,” she said. A clear districtwide
policy would help, she added.

Student objections to a ban are anticipated.

“Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
situations and to maintain access to family, she said.

At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”

For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.

Rising Reseda High senior Neel Thakkar, 16, is receptive to the ban.

He recalled struggling to focus on studying for Advanced Placement exams
because he was “addicted to Instagram” and couldn’t “stop picking up [his]
phone ... even for two seconds.”

He deleted the app from his phone because he “had to get off of it.”

“It was very hard at first,” he said.

In comments to the Board of Education, he suggested the district create a
platform in which students can voice their concerns and opinions about this
policy.

The teachers union — United Teachers Los Angeles — took a wait-and-see
approach.

“UTLA looks forward to understanding how the proposed cellphone policy will
differ from the current one,” said union Vice President Alex Orozco. “More
importantly, we want to know how all stakeholders will be included in the
decision-making.”

The board resolution cited research in line with the policy, including a
national survey on drug use and health by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration that found that among those born after 1995,
anxiety increased 139% from 2010 to 2020, coinciding with the rise in
smartphones and social media.

In addition to his support for warning labels, Surgeon General Murthy wrote
in a 2023 advisory that social media may be linked to a growing mental
health crisis among teens.

The language added to the resolution builds on such concerns:

“The District shall also evaluate the impact of social media use by young
people, including on their mental health, to formulate a strategy that
contemplates — but is not restricted to — litigation against social media
entities that operate platforms that use algorithms that appeal to students
who develop addiction to such platforms with well documented mental and
physical deleterious consequences to youth.”

The teachers union — United Teachers Los Angeles — took a wait-and-see
approach.

On 6/19/24 05:09, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
....
> https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-18/lausd-board-approved-
> strict-cell-phone-ban

About time, now let's get them disabled whenever/wherever their use is
or could be dangerous.

All species of mobile phones, media devices, Bluetooth or not, and
onboard presentation systems beyond what is essential for vehicle
control should automatically disable themselves within 10 meters of any
vehicle in motion at any speed. Hands-Free does NOT mean Brain-Free. In
the case of approaching vehicles (pedestrian use included) that distance
should be multiplied (prorated) for every 5 km/h of CLOSURE speed (i.e.
no such device should be operable within 200 meters of any vehicle
approaching at 100 km/h). Manufacturers of devices in which such an
automatic lockout feature is missing or can be disabled should first pay
large fines and then be barred from the jurisdiction market. With
respect to other road-hog conduct, in addition to intoxication or
attention-diverting use of lethal-technology while driving,
brake-checking and tailgating should also be HANGING crimes. Any
irresponsible vehicle handling should in fact be punished exactly as it
would be in the case of irresponsible weapons handling (which ALSO needs
to be beefed up).

Next time anyone uses the phone while driving or walking, try this
simple little test right after hanging up: see how many details you
remember of where you were and what you saw while phoning!

On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>

> “Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
> Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
> situations and to maintain access to family, she said.
>
>
> At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
> applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
> only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”
>
> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>

She can do that stuff after school. This ban has been discussed by
other schools and many may now follow.

Never had reason to have access to family during the school day. Kids
have to learn to be independent and think for themselves and no call
mommy every 20 minutes.

On Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:03:29 -0400, Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

>On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>>
>
>> “Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
>> Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
>> situations and to maintain access to family, she said.
>>
>>
>> At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
>> applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
>> only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”
>>
>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>>
>
>She can do that stuff after school. This ban has been discussed by
>other schools and many may now follow.
>
>Never had reason to have access to family during the school day. Kids
>have to learn to be independent and think for themselves and no call
>mommy every 20 minutes.

There can be legitimate reasons for parents to contact their kids while they're
in school, but they can do it the same way it was done for the many decades
before everyone had a cellphone. Just call the school office and ask someone to
deliver a message to the kid.

Likewise, kids may need to contact a parent, but if it's legitimate they can ask
a school employee to make the call.

Bottom line, I'd be in favor of banning student cellphone use during school
hours.

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:
> On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>>
>
>> “Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
>> Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
>> situations and to maintain access to family, she said.
>>
>>
>> At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
>> applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
>> only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”
>>
>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>>
>
> She can do that stuff after school. This ban has been discussed by
> other schools and many may now follow.

Already happened in France
https://news.sky.com/story/french-schools-ban-mobile-phones-as-parents-say-the-uk-should-be-next-11489948

On 2024-06-19 05:49, bad sector wrote:
> On 6/19/24 05:09, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban
>> cellphones
>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning,
>> lead
>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
> ...
>> https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-18/lausd-board-approved-
>> strict-cell-phone-ban
>
> About time, now let's get them disabled whenever/wherever their use is
> or could be dangerous.
>
> All species of mobile phones, ...

There's a rocker missing its occupant somewhere.

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

On 2024-06-19 10:06, Jim Joyce wrote:
>> On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:

>>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.

Per other countries, takes the kids less than a week to adapt.

Heck, it's almost like growing up a little.

>
> There can be legitimate reasons for parents to contact their kids while they're
> in school, but they can do it the same way it was done for the many decades
> before everyone had a cellphone. Just call the school office and ask someone to
> deliver a message to the kid.

Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom the class
when a parent called.
"Please send Jimmy to the office."
Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

On 6/19/2024 2:49 AM, bad sector wrote:
> On 6/19/24 05:09, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban
>> cellphones
>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning,
>> lead
>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
> ...
>> https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-18/lausd-board-approved-
>> strict-cell-phone-ban
>
> About time, now let's get them disabled whenever/wherever their use is
> or could be dangerous.
>
> All species of mobile phones, media devices, Bluetooth or not, and
> onboard presentation systems beyond what is essential for vehicle
> control should automatically disable themselves within 10 meters of any
> vehicle in motion at any speed. Hands-Free does NOT mean Brain-Free. In
> the case of approaching vehicles (pedestrian use included) that distance
> should be multiplied (prorated) for every 5 km/h of CLOSURE speed (i.e.
> no such device should be operable within 200 meters of any vehicle
> approaching at 100 km/h). Manufacturers of devices in which such an
> automatic lockout feature is missing or can be disabled should first pay
> large fines and then be barred from the jurisdiction market. With
> respect to other road-hog conduct, in addition to intoxication or
> attention-diverting use of lethal-technology while driving,
> brake-checking and tailgating should also be HANGING crimes. Any
> irresponsible vehicle handling should in fact be punished exactly as it
> would be in the case of irresponsible weapons handling (which ALSO needs
> to be beefed up).
>
> Next time anyone uses the phone while driving or walking, try this
> simple little test right after hanging up: see how many details you
> remember of where you were and what you saw while phoning!

Get rid of all touch screen controls in autos too. There are morons in
the drivers seat rolling down the road at 70 MPH playing with them and
their phones at the same time.

On 6/19/2024 7:06 AM, Jim Joyce wrote:
> On Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:03:29 -0400, Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:
>
>> On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
>>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
>>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>>>
>>
>>> “Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
>>> Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
>>> situations and to maintain access to family, she said.
>>>
>>>
>>> At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
>>> applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
>>> only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”
>>>
>>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>>>
>>
>> She can do that stuff after school. This ban has been discussed by
>> other schools and many may now follow.

She sure can. That's why they have online portals for it.

>> Never had reason to have access to family during the school day. Kids
>> have to learn to be independent and think for themselves and no call
>> mommy every 20 minutes.

Instant gratification and antisocial behavior. That's what smart phones
enable.

> There can be legitimate reasons for parents to contact their kids while they're
> in school, but they can do it the same way it was done for the many decades
> before everyone had a cellphone. Just call the school office and ask someone to
> deliver a message to the kid.
>
> Likewise, kids may need to contact a parent, but if it's legitimate they can ask
> a school employee to make the call.
>
> Bottom line, I'd be in favor of banning student cellphone use during school
> hours.

Agree x3.

On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-06-19 10:06, Jim Joyce wrote:
>>> On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>
>>>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>
> Per other countries, takes the kids less than a week to adapt.
>
> Heck, it's almost like growing up a little.
>
>>
>> There can be legitimate reasons for parents to contact their kids while they're
>> in school, but they can do it the same way it was done for the many decades
>> before everyone had a cellphone. Just call the school office and ask someone to
>> deliver a message to the kid.
>
> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom the class
> when a parent called.
> "Please send Jimmy to the office."
> Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.

Each school could install jammers. Problem solved unless there are
bluetooth texting apps.

BUT the teachers wouldn't be able to use their phones and the union
would threaten to strike. Just like it did when some school board
wanted to require the teachers to pass the same test the students had to
take to graduate from HS.

--
Cheers, Bev
Children, your performance was miserable. Your parents will
all receive phone calls instructing them to love you less.

On 6/19/24 14:10, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-06-19 05:49, bad sector wrote:
>> On 6/19/24 05:09, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban
>>> cellphones
>>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from
>>> learning, lead
>>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>> ...
>>> https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-18/lausd-board-approved-
>>> strict-cell-phone-ban
>>
>> About time, now let's get them disabled whenever/wherever their use is
>> or could be dangerous.
>>
>> All species of mobile phones, ...
>
> There's a rocker missing its occupant somewhere.

No like, no read; it's actually an attempt to 'acomodate' without
complete interdiction in cars.

On 6/19/24 14:16, marc wrote:
> On 6/19/2024 2:49 AM, bad sector wrote:
>> On 6/19/24 05:09, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban
>>> cellphones
>>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from
>>> learning, lead
>>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>> ...
>>> https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-18/lausd-board-approved-
>>> strict-cell-phone-ban
>>
>> About time, now let's get them disabled whenever/wherever their use is
>> or could be dangerous.
>>
>> All species of mobile phones, media devices, Bluetooth or not, and
>> onboard presentation systems beyond what is essential for vehicle
>> control should automatically disable themselves within 10 meters of
>> any vehicle in motion at any speed. Hands-Free does NOT mean
>> Brain-Free. In the case of approaching vehicles (pedestrian use
>> included) that distance should be multiplied (prorated) for every 5
>> km/h of CLOSURE speed (i.e. no such device should be operable within
>> 200 meters of any vehicle approaching at 100 km/h). Manufacturers of
>> devices in which such an automatic lockout feature is missing or can
>> be disabled should first pay large fines and then be barred from the
>> jurisdiction market. With respect to other road-hog conduct, in
>> addition to intoxication or attention-diverting use of
>> lethal-technology while driving, brake-checking and tailgating should
>> also be HANGING crimes. Any irresponsible vehicle handling should in
>> fact be punished exactly as it would be in the case of irresponsible
>> weapons handling (which ALSO needs to be beefed up).
>>
>> Next time anyone uses the phone while driving or walking, try this
>> simple little test right after hanging up: see how many details you
>> remember of where you were and what you saw while phoning!
>
> Get rid of all touch screen controls in autos too.  There are morons in
> the drivers seat rolling down the road at 70 MPH playing with them and
> their phones at the same time.

70? How about 140 km/h entering a bend? One of them Darwin recipients
almost took me out that way a few years ago and THAT fixed MY attitude
for the rest of my driving days. If it were up to me I'd carry body-bags
in the trunk for them.

On 6/19/24 10:06, Jim Joyce wrote:
> On Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:03:29 -0400, Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:
>
>> On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
>>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
>>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>>
>>> “Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
>>> Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
>>> situations and to maintain access to family, she said.
>>>
>>> At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
>>> applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
>>> only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”
>>>
>>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>>
>> She can do that stuff after school. This ban has been discussed by
>> other schools and many may now follow.
>>
>> Never had reason to have access to family during the school day. Kids
>> have to learn to be independent and think for themselves and no call
>> mommy every 20 minutes.
>
> There can be legitimate reasons for parents to contact their kids while they're
> in school, but they can do it the same way it was done for the many decades
> before everyone had a cellphone. Just call the school office and ask someone to
> deliver a message to the kid.
>
> Likewise, kids may need to contact a parent, but if it's legitimate they can ask
> a school employee to make the call.
>
> Bottom line, I'd be in favor of banning student cellphone use during school
> hours.

I agree with a total ban, and not just use either, you leave it at home
or you hand it in entering the main door. Jamming would just encourage
kids to skip a class to make a few calls. All the rationalizing is
superfluous, parents, teachers i.e. the entire pedagogical community
need no justification, it isn't about being right or wrong, the same
principle of *administrative prerogative* that rules democracy also
applies here, period.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S5q4bF6lac

On 2024-06-19 14:46, The Real Bev wrote:
> On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>> On 2024-06-19 10:06, Jim Joyce wrote:
>>>> On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>
>>>>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>>
>> Per other countries, takes the kids less than a week to adapt.
>>
>> Heck, it's almost like growing up a little.
>>
>>>
>>> There can be legitimate reasons for parents to contact their kids
>>> while they're
>>> in school, but they can do it the same way it was done for the many
>>> decades
>>> before everyone had a cellphone. Just call the school office and ask
>>> someone to
>>> deliver a message to the kid.
>>
>> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom the class
>> when a parent called.
>> "Please send Jimmy to the office."
>> Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.
>
> Each school could install jammers.

Illegal.

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

On 2024-06-19 15:14, bad sector wrote:
> On 6/19/24 14:10, Alan Browne wrote:
>> On 2024-06-19 05:49, bad sector wrote:
>>> On 6/19/24 05:09, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban
>>>> cellphones
>>>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from
>>>> learning, lead
>>>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>>> ...
>>>> https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-18/lausd-board-approved-
>>>> strict-cell-phone-ban
>>>
>>> About time, now let's get them disabled whenever/wherever their use
>>> is or could be dangerous.
>>>
>>> All species of mobile phones, ...
>>
>> There's a rocker missing its occupant somewhere.
>
>
> No like

Re-read your post - and think of the phrase "over the top".

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:06:42 -0500, Jim Joyce
<none@none.invalid> wrote:

>On Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:03:29 -0400, Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:
>
>>On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
>>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
>>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>>>
>>
>>> “Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
>>> Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
>>> situations and to maintain access to family, she said.
>>>
>>>
>>> At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
>>> applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
>>> only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”
>>>
>>> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
>>>
>>
>>She can do that stuff after school. This ban has been discussed by
>>other schools and many may now follow.
>>
>>Never had reason to have access to family during the school day. Kids
>>have to learn to be independent and think for themselves and no call
>>mommy every 20 minutes.

I never even thought to call home when I was at school. Why?

The only time anyone ever had to contact my mother was when I broke my
leg, but that was on the *way* to school, and we lived 50 yards away and
I could have told them where we lived, in fact I probably did after I
was quickly taken to the hospital. .

This brings up another unrelated but current issue. I jumped off a 10'
wall belonging to a church on my way to school. I'd done it the
previous day too, but this time the bottom of my leg hit a stone within
the soft dirt where I landed. Knew right away that I'd broken it. Lenny
Senns walked by on the way to school. His parents moved around so he
was about a year older than the rest of us in our class, 10 instead of
9. He went to the nurse's office at the public school, which was only
100 yards from where I was lying, and the nurse would not come out to
see me because it was not school property. I believe she did not do
anything. This was 1956 but it's the kind of "No, not me" problem one
thinks of as being recent." Within a 20 or 30 minutes, the minister of
the church found me and drove me to the hospital. I don't limp.
>
>There can be legitimate reasons for parents to contact their kids while they're
>in school, but they can do it the same way it was done for the many decades
>before everyone had a cellphone. Just call the school office and ask someone to
>deliver a message to the kid.
>
>Likewise, kids may need to contact a parent, but if it's legitimate they can ask
>a school employee to make the call.
>
>Bottom line, I'd be in favor of banning student cellphone use during school
>hours.

I thought I heard that another big problem was that even during lunch
and break time, the students spend more time in their phones than
talking to their other students. Has that been mentioned???

On 2024-06-20, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
> I never even thought to call home when I was at school. Why?

It wouldn't have done me any good. My mother would have been
at her job.

--
Cindy Hamilton

On 6/20/24 08:52, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-06-19 15:14, bad sector wrote:
>> On 6/19/24 14:10, Alan Browne wrote:
>>> On 2024-06-19 05:49, bad sector wrote:
>>>> On 6/19/24 05:09, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
>>>>> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban
>>>>> cellphones
>>>>> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from
>>>>> learning, lead
>>>>> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
>>>> ...
>>>>> https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-18/lausd-board-approved-
>>>>> strict-cell-phone-ban
>>>>
>>>> About time, now let's get them disabled whenever/wherever their use
>>>> is or could be dangerous.
>>>>
>>>> All species of mobile phones, ...
>>>
>>> There's a rocker missing its occupant somewhere.
>>
>> No like
>
> Re-read your post - and think of the phrase "over the top".

"Over the top" is rather the present whorehouse
with its near total absence of regulation and a
'most convenient' narrative focusing on hands-free
instead of brain-free.

On Wed, 19 Jun 2024 16:49:08 -0000 (UTC),
Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com>, in
<v4v264$22ggu$1@dont-email.me> wrote:
> Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:
> > On 6/19/2024 5:09 AM, Thyme Four Kneegrow Knewz wrote:
> >> The Los Angeles school board Tuesday set in motion a plan to ban cellphones
> >> all day on campus, saying the devices distract students from learning, lead
> >> to anxiety and allow cyberbullying.
> >>
> >
> >> “Very furious,” is how Helen Ho, 16, a rising junior at Narbonne High in
> >> Harbor City, described her reaction. Students need phones for emergency
> >> situations and to maintain access to family, she said.
> >>
> >>
> >> At school, she said, she uses her phone for educational purposes, such as
> >> applying to programs or accessing information from fliers that often provide
> >> only QR codes, for which “you can’t use your laptop.”
> >>
> >> For her, a phone is a source of connection and stability.
> >>
> >
> > She can do that stuff after school. This ban has been discussed by
> > other schools and many may now follow.
>
> Already happened in France
> https://news.sky.com/story/french-schools-ban-mobile-phones-as-parents-say-the-uk-should-be-next-11489948
>

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12694341/Florida-school-district-cell-phone-ban.html

--
Consulting Minister for Consultants, DNRC
I can please only one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow
isn't looking good, either.
I am BOFH. Resistance is futile. Your network will be assimilated.

On 6/20/24 5:51 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-06-19 14:46, The Real Bev wrote:
>> On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>>
>>> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom
>>> the class when a parent called. "Please send Jimmy to the
>>> office." Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.
>>
>> Each school could install jammers.
>
> Illegal.

Rescind the law. Make exceptions for schools. It's not like the
legislature is doing anything valuable with its time.

Do they actually exist? Who buys them? If there's already a thriving
community of criminals, why not let schools join the group?

--
Cheers, Bev
Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.

On 6/21/24 9:05 AM, The Real Bev wrote:
> On 6/20/24 5:51 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>> On 2024-06-19 14:46, The Real Bev wrote:
>>> On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom
>>>> the class when a parent called. "Please send Jimmy to the
>>>> office." Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.
>>>
>>> Each school could install jammers.
>>
>> Illegal.
>
> Rescind the law. Make exceptions for schools. It's not like the
> legislature is doing anything valuable with its time.
>
> Do they actually exist? Who buys them? If there's already a thriving
> community of criminals, why not let schools join the group?

Alternate: "The possession of cellphones by students during the school
day is forbidden. Any cellphone found on school grounds during school
hours will be confiscated and smashed. The owner's final grade will be
lowered by one level and his/her participation in student activities
other than classes will be prohibited. Thank you for your support, have
a nice day."

Before smartphones, my granddaughter said that everybody touch-typed on
their dumb phones to each other during class.

--
Cheers, Bev
Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.

On 2024-06-21 12:05, The Real Bev wrote:
> On 6/20/24 5:51 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>> On 2024-06-19 14:46, The Real Bev wrote:
>>> On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom
>>>> the class when a parent called. "Please send Jimmy to the
>>>> office." Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.
>>>
>>> Each school could install jammers.
>>
>> Illegal.
>
> Rescind the law.  Make exceptions for schools.  It's not like the
> legislature is doing anything valuable with its time.

No exceptions. Radio spectrum is highly protected for various reasons,
in particular because of emergency calling.

And of course your notion is silly - as you would want teachers to be
able to call during an emergency, or perhaps directly receive emergency
communications from a parent.

> Do they actually exist?  Who buys them?  If there's already a thriving
> community of criminals, why not let schools join the group?

Yes - truckers like them (GPS jammers) so their company can't see where
they're at.
One trucker was thus fined over $30K for it. Good!

The FCC has been cracking down on vendors too (GPS and cell).

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

On 2024-06-21 12:15, The Real Bev wrote:
> On 6/21/24 9:05 AM, The Real Bev wrote:
>> On 6/20/24 5:51 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>> On 2024-06-19 14:46, The Real Bev wrote:
>>>> On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom
>>>>> the class when a parent called. "Please send Jimmy to the
>>>>> office." Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.
>>>>
>>>> Each school could install jammers.
>>>
>>> Illegal.
>>
>> Rescind the law.  Make exceptions for schools.  It's not like the
>> legislature is doing anything valuable with its time.
>>
>> Do they actually exist?  Who buys them?  If there's already a thriving
>> community of criminals, why not let schools join the group?
>
> Alternate:  "The possession of cellphones by students during the school
> day is forbidden.  Any cellphone found on school grounds during school
> hours will be confiscated and smashed. The owner's final grade will be
> lowered by one level and his/her participation in student activities
> other than classes will be prohibited.  Thank you for your support, have
> a nice day."

Better get that burr out of your butt.

>
> Before smartphones, my granddaughter said that everybody touch-typed on
> their dumb phones to each other during class.

You may remember kids passing notes too.

--
"It would be a measureless disaster if Russian barbarism overlaid
the culture and independence of the ancient States of Europe."
Winston Churchill

On 6/21/24 2:00 PM, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-06-21 12:05, The Real Bev wrote:
>> On 6/20/24 5:51 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>> On 2024-06-19 14:46, The Real Bev wrote:
>>>> On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom
>>>>> the class when a parent called. "Please send Jimmy to the
>>>>> office." Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.
>>>>
>>>> Each school could install jammers.
>>>
>>> Illegal.
>>
>> Rescind the law.  Make exceptions for schools.  It's not like the
>> legislature is doing anything valuable with its time.
>
> No exceptions. Radio spectrum is highly protected for various reasons,
> in particular because of emergency calling.
>
> And of course your notion is silly - as you would want teachers to be
> able to call during an emergency, or perhaps directly receive emergency
> communications from a parent.

Everybody and his dog has a land line. Do you mean to tell me that
schools rely solely on cell communication? Are you old enough to drink?
What part of 'Call the school and pass on a message' do you not
understand? If it's not important enough to disrupt a class than maybe
it isn't an emergency after all.

>> Do they actually exist?  Who buys them?  If there's already a thriving
>> community of criminals, why not let schools join the group?
>
> Yes - truckers like them (GPS jammers) so their company can't see where
> they're at.
> One trucker was thus fined over $30K for it. Good!
>
> The FCC has been cracking down on vendors too (GPS and cell).

Laws can be changed. I can see NO benefit of cell communication that
outweighs the damage to students that they do. The 'bullying' thing is
far less important than the fact that students' attention is on their
phones instead of whatever they're supposed to be doing in school.

OTOH, given the quality of California schools now, perhaps it's just a wash.

--
Cheers, Bev
Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.

On 6/21/24 2:01 PM, Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2024-06-21 12:15, The Real Bev wrote:
>> On 6/21/24 9:05 AM, The Real Bev wrote:
>>> On 6/20/24 5:51 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>>> On 2024-06-19 14:46, The Real Bev wrote:
>>>>> On 6/19/24 11:14 AM, Alan Browne wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Even back in the 70's our primary school office could intercom
>>>>>> the class when a parent called. "Please send Jimmy to the
>>>>>> office." Teacher wouldn't do anything - Jimmy would just go.
>>>>>
>>>>> Each school could install jammers.
>>>>
>>>> Illegal.
>>>
>>> Rescind the law.  Make exceptions for schools.  It's not like the
>>> legislature is doing anything valuable with its time.
>>>
>>> Do they actually exist?  Who buys them?  If there's already a thriving
>>> community of criminals, why not let schools join the group?
>>
>> Alternate:  "The possession of cellphones by students during the school
>> day is forbidden.  Any cellphone found on school grounds during school
>> hours will be confiscated and smashed. The owner's final grade will be
>> lowered by one level and his/her participation in student activities
>> other than classes will be prohibited.  Thank you for your support, have
>> a nice day."
>
> Better get that burr out of your butt.

No burr. No dog in this fight now either.

>> Before smartphones, my granddaughter said that everybody touch-typed on
>> their dumb phones to each other during class.

I grew up in a lower-middle-class minority neighborhood. Daughter grew
up in nice middle-class neighborhood. Her daughter grew up in a nice
upper-mddle-class neighborhood. Daughter says I got a better education
that she did and hers was better than her daughter's -- and she was
heavily involved in the schools as a substitute teacher and PTA president.

> You may remember kids passing notes too.

And I remember them getting caught and having to read the note aloud to
the class.

Not all progress is good.

--
Cheers, Bev
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely and in a
well preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out,
and shouting HOLY SHIT, WHAT A RIDE!!!