That's a remarkable number. I would never have imagined it could be that high. Every couple of minutes, every class, every day? I wonder if it's repeat offenders or if a lot of kids are contributing to those numbers.

I can't imagine my childhood schools doing it any other way.

They can pick them up when they're about to go home. If there's an emergency, the parents can call the school directly, like they did in the old days.

...that look like those things that hang over the closet door to store shoes.
Kids come in, drop their phone in their numbered spot, stays there until the bell rings.
I've seen that in several schools. Either thar or in their locker.
I haven't seen what you're suggesting, but I don't dislike it.

since they've had the luxury of having their kids available 24/7 with those things.

The problem is the compulsive scrolling through various apps, thinking they'll miss something vital from some "influencer," while missing something truly vital in school, like learning how to cope with boredom without that damned phone.

become compulsive about phone use and being online, for sure. Not just kids, many adults are overly dependent on smartphones.

I noticed it in a couple of friends when smartphones became so popular years back.

One who had recently switched from a flip phone to a new smartphone really ticked me off. We were good friends and got together at his place. But from the start he kept staring at the smartphone, totally mesmerized.

More than an hour went by, and I finally asked if he was expecting some important call. No response, another half an hour. Finally I said, you asked me out, what's up? No reply again, so I took the phone and threw it out the window. No more problems after that, tg!

we're living in crazy, dangerous times. I understand about kids and parents needing to be in touch in crisis situations..Tough choices..

After witnessing what happens at school when there is a live shooter threat, I will fight to keep my kiddo’s right to keep his phone on his person unless and until he is safe at school. The rule in our house is he MUST abide by each teacher’s rules about phones in class. If he does not, I won’t go to bat for him on it. He has always done that.

Last spring, during an active shooter threat, that phone in my son’s pocket was his lifeline to me. I was able to find out where he was in the school and could communicate to him what was happening outside the building. His exact text to me “Mama is this the day it happens here? Should I keep hiding or should I run for it? I don’t know what to do. Everyone is scared.” Those could have been his last words to me.

The trade off is something I’m willing to accept.

ETA: Has anyone here tried calling a school lately? You can’t get anyone on the phone during the day, let alone during an emergency

the need to communicate with family and how phones are a lifeline in emergencies. Sorry you and your son went through that active shooter experience, what a scare.

I think school staff realize the importance of emergencies, and would provide kids with the SAME school phone and phone number, every day, for them and their parents to rely on. The article didn't go into this but it's common sense.

Having a 2nd, alternate phone number is somewhat a hassle, but maybe worth it in terms of reducing class disruption, stress and loss of learning from excessive smartphone use.

Parents unable to get through to schools by phone is really bad. Maybe it's due to staff shortages and overwork but it's critical and needs fixing. Thanks for replying.

- Excerpt
.. Instead, the school gave everyone on campus – including staff – a Light Phone, that is, a “dumb” phone with limited functionality.
The devices can make calls, send texts (slowly) and can’t load modern applications; instead coming with deliberately cumbersome versions of music and mapping apps..