LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An Arkansas lawmaker wants to ban the use of cells phones and other electronic devices in public schools. He says they are a distraction, but some students and parents disagree.



State Rep. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, admits he’s a little old fashioned. But, he says, his bill would help Arkansas schools get better results.



As you can probably imagine, high school students are not too keen on giving up their cell phones.



“I think we should keep our phones because we need it for class,” said Demiyah Feemster, a Fairview High School Student.



“What if something happens? Like all the school shootings and everything that’s going on…” said another Parkview student, Chase Stone.



But Hendren says it’s time to disconnect.



“This is a step towards respecting authority, respecting our elders, respecting each other,” he said.



Hendren, a former teacher, would have students turn in all “portable electronic devices” at the beginning of the day. They’d be kept in a secure area to be picked up when the day is over.



“When I’m in a classroom I ask you to pay attention to what I’m there about because it’s serious business,” he said. “The taxpayers are paying me to teach you.”



“In class, they shouldn’t have it at all,” said Demetrius Feemster, a parent of three high school students who spend a lot of time on their phones. But, he says, Hendren’s bill goes too far.



“You’re talking about a school full of kids and having that many people having to get their phones at the end of the day could make for a longer process,” Feemster said.



The bill would allow each district to decide whether or not to allow a student to use their cell phone in the case of an emergency.



Hendren says he’s willing to consider changes to his bill to make it more workable.

