3 months ago
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – At least two school districts in South Dakota, Gettysburg and Edgemont, are saying no to smartphones in classrooms. Now the mayor of the state's largest city, himself a father to teenagers, is weighing in on the topic.
"I would love to see other districts make this decision," Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said. "And I have yet to see a school district, a classroom, a teacher that has said, 'Since kids have gotten phones, it's really helped their engagement in school. They learn better. They pay more attention.' I have yet to see that. Maybe that data is out there, Dan. I don't see it."
With kids aged 18, 15 and 11, TenHaken has seen how developing minds learn in the digital age where a mini computer can easily fit in your pocket. As far as he's concerned, a smartphone-free classroom is smart policy.
"One less distraction and one less drain on your mental health in a school and a classroom setting I think is a home run policy," TenHaken said.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, weighed in on the topic in a 2023 CBS News report...
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