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Why Kansas is Saying 'No' to Cell Phones in Schools
24th August 2026 • The James Brown Commentary • James A. Brown
00:00:00 00:01:00

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Kansas is making waves by confiscating cell phones outside of schools, and honestly, I think it’s a move that could pay off. You see, these devices aren’t just little distractions; they’re addictive and can really get in the way of learning for our kids and teaching for the educators. Sure, I can already hear the parents fretting about emergencies, but let’s be real—didn’t we all manage just fine before cell phones became a thing? I mean, my entire K through 12 experience happened without constant notifications buzzing in my pocket, and I’m thankful for that. This approach in Kansas might not bring us back to those simpler times, but it could give students some crucial hours each day focused on learning without the pull of social media.

Takeaways:

  • In Kansas, schools are now confiscating cell phones to help students focus better.
  • The issue of cell phone distractions is significant, affecting both learning and teaching.
  • Many parents are concerned about missing emergencies without phones, but we survived before them.
  • Reflecting on my own education, I appreciate the lack of cell phone distractions back then.
  • This new approach in Kansas aims to give students time to learn without constant interruptions.
  • Taking a break from social media might actually help kids focus on their studies more effectively.

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Transcripts

Speaker A:

This is the Daily note from jamesabrown.net have you heard about what's going on in Kansas?

Speaker A:

They're confiscating cell phones outside of schools.

Speaker A:

And honestly, it's not a bad idea.

Speaker A:

Because phones and social media aren't just addictive, they're distracting our kids and making it harder for them to learn and for teachers to teach.

Speaker A:

And I can hear the parents whining now, worrying about emergencies.

Speaker A:

But didn't we have and handle emergencies before cell phones?

Speaker A:

My family did.

Speaker A:

As weird as it feels sometimes, my Entire K through 12 education happened before cell phones.

Speaker A:

The Internet, and social media were everywhere.

Speaker A:

And in hindsight, I'm grateful for that.

Speaker A:

And while the Kansas approach won't take us back there, it'll buy these kids a few hours a day to learn a few things without these distractions.

Speaker A:

On that note, I'm James A.

Speaker A:

Brown and as always, be well.

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