CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A school district in western Michigan is banning cellphones during school hours.
The Forest Hills district near Grand Rapids says students won't be allowed to use their phones but can keep them in their lockers. The district says it's "clear that excessive exposure to cellphones has a negative effect" on kids.
If students need to reach a parent, they can use a school phone. Forest Hills says its schools have plenty of technology to allow students to go online when necessary for classroom work.
Superintendent Dan Behm (BEAM) noticed the problem when having lunch with students. They told him how social media posts caused anxiety.
Assistant Superintendent Christine Annese tells WOOD-TV that a parent advisory committee approved the plan. Forest Hills has more than 15 schools, including three high schools.
