(from CNBC) Citing constant distraction, the French government last summer passed a law banning cell phones in schools -- with 62 votes to one. The policy came into effect this school year and impacts students in kindergarten through the 9th grade. Some schools across the U.S. are enacting similar policies. One example is Portage High School in Wisconsin, whose principal says with the policy, students “are not distracted anymore. The phones are not their preoccupation." Numerous studies indicate the negative impact of cell phones: one shows banning them increases test scores, especially for lower performing students; another shows students write down more information when cell phones are banned and yet another shows even when mobile phones are turned off, their presence reduces cognitive capacity. Those against banning cell phones say it inhibits parent communication or is simply impossible.
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