New Jersey became the latest state to outlaw phones in the classroom from bell-to-bell. Mom, dads and schools have figured out a way to help their young ones focus on learning.

In my college classroom, we’ve been screen-free for many years – and I always say I don’t really know what attention deficit looks like because no matter what the condition, students can concentrate on being present (that is if I don’t throw a PowerPoint up on a screen).

Helping people separate from texting in the back of the classroom is not a punishment. I can’t tell you the number of students who, in front of classmates, thank the professor for asking them to turn their devices off.

In fact, I only have to say it once – in the first class.  No need to mention it again.

Phones aren’t just a student problem, they’re a human one choosing engagement over noise.

Author Jenny Odell says “In a world that profits from your distraction, paying attention is a radical act.”

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