Study shows Portland Public Schools students want cellphone-free classrooms

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Public Schools Research and Evaluation Team surveyed 2,147 high school students to find out how they feel about banning cell phones in school. You might be surprised to hear that majorityof them said they wanted classrooms without cell phones.

The district also hosted focus groups at Cleveland and Grant high schools, as both schools have current cell phone ban policies in place. A Grant High School student explained to us what the policy looks like in practice.

“So before you go to school, you have to put your phone in your pocket, and then they check at the front door to make sure you have your bag closed and your phone is in there,” Eren Mersereau said.

The focus group results show that the children felt they could concentrate better.

“I think it’s good because it helps us learn more easily because I think last year, and this is just me and myself, I had trouble being on the phone in class,” said Malik L. Mason, a Grant High School students.

“I feel like it helps us learn more and not feel so distracted in class and more focused,” said Gage Creasey, another Grant High School student.

“I think it’s a good idea because we learn a lot in class, but of course it’s a little frustrating,” Mersereau said.

The study also shows that students had safety concerns because they did not have their phones with them when they left campus for lunch. And not having your phone with you in an emergency.

McDaniel High School students share their thoughts on a possible cell phone ban at their school.

“Just put it away or put it in your backpack during class. I think it’s a good strategy to keep it in your backpack, but yeah, most of the time it’s a good thing,” said Cole Clark, a junior at McDaniel High School.

“I feel like cell phones can potentially be a tool in the classroom, but I believe in similar limitations,” said Emilia de la Rosa, a junior at McDaniel High School.