Breaking News:

EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Pleasant Grove High School bans cell phone use

Sep 3, 2024, 3:30 PM | Updated: 5:40 pm

Pleasant Grove High School in Pleasant Grove is pictured on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020....

Pleasant Grove High School in Pleasant Grove is pictured on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. (Steve Griffin/Deseret News)

(Steve Griffin/Deseret News)

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah — Pleasant Grove High School said that it has banned cell-phone use during class. 

Listen to Pleasant Grove High School Principal John Hanks 👇

The announcement comes after Utah Gov. Spencer Cox shared a letter to school leaders across the state. 

According to a press release from Alpine School District, the letter motivated the school’s leaders. 

Tamara Oborn, a Pleasant Grove High School wellness teacher, helped do research and gather feedback from the school community. 

“Research overwhelmingly shows that cell phones in the classroom have a negative impact on student learning,” said Oborn. “They cause distractions, increase anxiety, and decrease the sense of safety and privacy among students. Having distance from cell phones during class time improves student learning by increasing engagement with the material and fellow students, which facilitates deep learning and increased confidence.”

The case against cell phones

The press release said that Oborn’s research found that many students worry about missing out on notifications during class. They also spend less time interacting with their peers when cell phones are present. 

A University of California, Irvine study found that on average, it takes 23 minutes to refocus on a task after an interruption. 

According to Gov. Cox’s letter, many Utah schools have already adopted schoolwide cell phone bans. They reported that they are seeing positive results including improved learning outcomes, better peer-to-peer connection, and a decrease in bullying. 

Additionally, U.S. News reported that a different study found cell phone use in the classroom can lead to lower test scores. 

So far, Pleasant Grove High School Principal John Hanks said students have been mostly cooperative. 

“Very few students have been resistant, and in most cases, we’ve been able to work with parents to find a solution that helps everybody succeed. That success has been a result of engaging teachers and parents in the process of change. Once they were committed, we knew we would make a positive impact on student learning,” said Hanks. 

Related: Bill targeting children’s cell phone protections moves to the Utah Senate

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

New bill helps English-learning students...

Adam Small

Bill helps Utah schools facing influx of English-learning students moves to Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would help Utah schools address a surge in English-learning students is just one vote away from heading to the governor’s desk. HB42, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, was unanimously passed by a Utah Senate committee Thursday morning. Now it only needs approval from Utah Senate to reach […]

1 day ago

school therapy bill...

Don Brinkerhoff

House passes bill requiring parental notification of school therapy discussions

The House approved legislation mandating that parents be notified of the topics discussed in school therapy sessions.

2 days ago

four-day school week...

Becky Bruce

Utah public school enrollment declines slightly statewide

Utah public school enrollment dropped about a half percent from 2021 to 2024 statewide, though some districts saw much larger gains and losses.

3 days ago

4-day school week...

Don Brinkerhoff

Could a 4-day school week be in the works for rural Utah?

A proposed bill would allow some schools to transition to a 4-day school week. The bill's sponsor said the bill would help rural areas.

3 days ago

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah'...

Devin Oldroyd

How would education in Utah be affected if Department of Education is abolished?

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah's public and higher education systems?

8 days ago

A Kansas City Chiefs helmet, the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a Philadelphia Eagles helmet are seen be...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

BYU study shows Eagles may be playing “riskier” than the Chiefs on Sunday

The study analyzed eight years of NFL data to determine which coaches were conservative or risky on fourth downs.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Pleasant Grove High School bans cell phone use