PSUSD discusses cellphone policy survey, works on finding best approach for student learning

On Jan. 15, Palm Springs Unified School District released a survey to the community seeking input on the best approach for a possible limit or ban on cell phones in district schools.

This survey came after a policy release from Governor Gavin Newsom for the Phone-Free School Act, which requires districts to develop a regulation on smartphone usage in schools.

As social media and generative AI become more popular, especially among younger generations, the impact of these platforms has been seen across the country. A "Dawn of the AI Era" study from Common Sense Media found that seven in 10 teenagers had at least tried generative AI.

A different study from Common Sense Media called "Constant Companion" found that nearly 50% of children in the U.S. receive their first smartphone by the age of 11.

Another study from the Pew Research Center in 2022 called "Teens, Social Media and Technology" found that 98% of 15- to 17-year-olds and 91% of 13- to 14-year-olds have access to a smartphone. Of this age group, 46% consider themselves as "almost constantly" online.

With being online, there also is a cause for concern over misinformation and trusting content. Common Sense Media, conducted another study on "Teens, Trust and Technology in the Age of AI" where about 35% of teenagers reported being deceived by fake content online.

Knowing the statistics on the possibilities of social media, misinformation, and generative AI, the Pew Research Center found that "72% of U.S. high school teachers say cellphone distraction is a major problem" in classrooms.

Stay with News Channel 3 tonight at 6 p.m. as we talk to PSUSD and Palm Springs High School about how they've seen smartphones impact student learning, and how the committee will respond once the survey results are tallied.