Horne criticizes Governor’s classroom cell phone ban veto

For immediate release: April 12, 2024
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Horne criticizes Governor’s classroom cell phone ban veto

Bill addressed invasion of mobile devices in schools

State schools chief Tom Horne criticized Governor Katie Hobbs’ veto of a bill he supported that would allow local districts and charters to set a policy restricting the use of mobile devices while students are in class. He pointed out that under the bill, local school authorities would set policies to accomplish that goal.

Horne stated, “Anyone with a minimum of empathy would empathize with teachers who try to teach while students are scrolling on their cell phones. Every instructional method is precious. A teacher should not have to put up with that interference with instruction.”

He added, “Cell phones have also become the major way in which students are bullied. It is enough that they get bullied on their cell phones when they’re away from school. It should not be happening while they are in school trying to learn, so that the bullying occurs 24 hours a day. To permit that bullying to go on 24 hours a day shows a lack of empathy for the students.”

A recent poll of Arizona parents on this subject only five percent were unsure.  Of the remaining 95 percent, 62.75 percent supported the ban, with 71 percent of those saying it would increase focus on studies and reduce distractions.

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