Terri Collins’s response

I do not support the ban of this legislation in any way!

The harm that cell phones is having on our students is overwhelming. The interference in classroom learning is tremendous. I fully supported the bell to bell ban and continue to support strong enforcement. Some of the reasons are:

FOCUS "Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety"

The change in Gen Z students since 2010 has been dramatic, detrimental, and harmful to academic success and mental health. The largest difference that happened was the introduction of social media into their lives. Some data points are:

● More than 50% of students get over 237 notifications per day.
● According to research, it takes 23 minutes and 15 seconds to regain focus after a distraction. If there are multiple cell phone distractions, students are truly never focused in the classroom.
● Teachers express overwhelming concerns, with 83% supporting an all-day phone-free policy.

We know the rise of smartphones and social media has been linked to adverse outcomes for young people.

In terms of mental health, research, including findings from the American Academy of Pediatrics and insights from social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, associates excessive screen time with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation among children and teenagers.

Student adverse effects data changes since 2010 (15 years):
● Depression increased 145% for girls & 161% for boys
● College student anxiety - 134% increase & 72% increase in ADHD
● Emergency Room visits - 188% increase for girls & 48% increase for boys
● Suicide - 91% increase for boys & 167% increase for girls
● Self harm - 78% increase for girls & 134% increase for boys
● Meeting time with friends - boys have decreased from 55% to 30% & girls have decreased from 50% to 25% The decline in friendship times since 2003 declined from 160% to 40%
● Depression & Unemployment cause a loss of interest in life and employment for students decreased from 10% to 3%

Terri Collins