ARKANSAS, USA — Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva invited superintendents across the state on July 2 to take part in a pilot program aimed at addressing in-school phone usage and mental health.
The press release stated funding will be provided to all secondary schools that provide pouches for students to store their phones during the school day, as well as for telehealth mental health services.
In addition, the release said funding will also be provided to help locate mental health providers and connect them with students and their families.
“I think it's really important. I'm very excited about the state offering guidance and opportunities,” said Fayetteville Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Courtney Morawski.
According to Dr. Morawski, phone usage in schools is something the Fayetteville School District is already trying to address.
“We are trying to make sure we prioritize learning as a school district,” Dr. Morawski said. “We have heard from our staff members and families about the distracting qualities of students having access to cell phones during the school day.”
The pilot program announced by the state looks to address screen addiction and social media, something Dr. Morawski said can lead to cyberbullying in some cases.
“We know some bullying is happening on there, we know they have access to things that are not age-appropriate, and at school, we're just not going to allow that anymore,” Dr. Morawski said. “We're going to see what we can do to protect you during these critical years as you develop.”
Dr. Morawski said the district this summer is looking at ways to get a clearer cell phone policy implemented before the next school year. She said once plans are finalized, parents and faculty will be made aware of any changes.
“We don't think that it will be the same level of restrictions at kindergarten and elementary as it is in high school,” Dr. Morawski said. “We also know that technology is important for students to learn. There's a fine line balancing the distractions that come with a cell phone with access to great technology for learning."
In the press release, Governor Sanders and Secretary Oliva said they have made addressing youth mental health a priority in the Administration and have listened to feedback from school leaders regarding this issue.
Kim Mundell, Director of Communications for the Arkansas Department of Education said the plan is for funds and support to be available for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
She added more information will be provided to districts shortly.
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