Virginia high school teacher Joe Clement keeps track of the text messages parents have sent students sitting in his economics and government classes: — “What...
Virginia high school teacher Joe Clement keeps track of the text messages parents have sent students sitting in his economics and government classes:— “Do you want chicken or hamburgers for dinner tonight?”Parents are distressingly aware of the distractions and the mental health issues associated with smartphones and social media. But teachers say parents might not realize how much those struggles
“When your children are texting you stuff that can wait — like, ‘Can I go to Brett’s house five days from now?’ — don’t respond,” said Sabine Polak, one of three mothers who co-founded the Phone-Free Schools Movement. “You have to stop engaging. That’s just feeding the problem.”Many parents got used to being in constant contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, when kids were home doing online school. They have kept that communication going as life has otherwise returned to normal.
Some kids who oppose school cellphone bans say it's helpful to reach out to parents when they're feeling anxious or worried at school. For children with serious anxiety who are accustomed to texting parents for reassurance, Milkovich suggests phasing in limits so the child can gradually practice having more independence.
“It sounded like an old-time video arcade — bizzing, buzzing, dinging and ringing for two solid minutes,” he said. “When the phone vibrates in their pocket, now their focus is on their pocket. And they’re wondering, ‘How do I get it out to the table? How do I check it?’" said Randy Freiman, a high school chemistry teacher in upstate New York. “You ask them a question and they haven’t heard a word you’ve said. Their brain is elsewhere.”The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content.
"Plan for retirement, but life has no guarantees. Don't put everything off because there isn't enough time and money — that time may not come, and you might regret not spending the time and money you did have with your loved ones."A legal tussle over a dog has cost both sides thousands in legal fees — and plenty of heartache — while highlighting how the law treats pets in estate battles.