Wayne Gersen’s recent op-ed opposes cell phone bans in schools, but his central argument is misplaced. What he actually makes is a case for digital literacy — not for keeping phones in the classroom.
His example of Ukrainian intelligence agents teaching teenagers to resist Russian disinformation is not about whether phones belong in schools; it is about national strategies for building digital literacy. On that point, he and I agree: students absolutely need to learn how to navigate disinformation and manipulative algorithms. But here in Vermont, schools already offer strong digital literacy programs, and those programs remain untouched by the cell phone bans.
As part of the coalition that advanced Vermont’s legislation, I heard overwhelming testimony from schools that had already adopted bans. Teachers reported students were more engaged, more focused and more connected. Student voices were equally clear — both at the Vermont Statehouse and in a widely circulated Thetford Academy video — saying the ban gave them a needed break from devices deliberately designed to addict them.
When asked about self-discipline, many students said the ban actually strengthened their self-regulation. Instead of immediately pulling out their phones after the bell, they now describe walking by rivers, playing pickup futsal, connecting with friends or continuing a book they had started during the day. The ban helped them build healthier habits, not avoid responsibility.
Gersen is right about the need for critical discernment. He is wrong, however, to confuse that with opposing phone bans in schools. Keeping cell phones out of schools is pro-critical thinking, pro-community building and pro-learning. If he is concerned about democracy, he should be calling for cell phone bans paired with stronger digital literacy programs. That way, our teens build community at school, stay focused in civics class and gain the wisdom to face a digital age with courage and clarity—the foundation of a thriving democracy.
Robin Junker
Thetford
Robin Junker Boyce