Opinion
Opinion

Atlanta Forward: Education

Before New York City lifted its ban on cell phones in schools this year, students paid to store them at mobile storage trucks parked near their schools.

Credit: Associated Press

Credit: Associated Press

Before New York City lifted its ban on cell phones in schools this year, students paid to store them at mobile storage trucks parked near their schools.
By Maureen Downey
June 14, 2015

For teenagers, their cell phones are their link to the world; they cannot be without them, as schools know only too well. I write about the distraction factor inherent in the phones, which led a Florida teacher to resort to a jammer to force kids to look up and pay attention. Readers also share their views on whether smartphones should be allowed in classrooms. In a guest column, a University of Georgia professor discusses the competitive versus cooperative model of education.

Explore» Join the conversation

About the Author

Maureen Downey has written editorials and opinion pieces about local, state and federal education policy since the 1990s.

Follow Maureen Downey on facebookFollow Maureen Downey on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Phase 2 of the Concourse D expansion at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was completed in September. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

OPINION

Atlanta airport chose equity and lost federal dollars in a win for travelers

Hartsfield-Jackson refused to end diversity, equity and inclusion hiring and contracting programs, and the Trump administration took away millions.

OPINION

Shuttering Head Start in Georgia would create child care and workforce crisis

Washington must end the government shutdown now to keep Head Start classrooms in Georgia running for the sake of children and parents.

OPINION

Georgia is at a crossroads in global AI race, but here’s how state can thrive

As the United States and China compete in the global artificial intelligence race, Georgia must do a better job preparing for the magnitude of AI economic opportunities.

The Latest

Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, which currently controls more than 90% of the market for chips needed to build artificial intelligence systems, with President Donald Trump in Washington, April 30, 2025. (Pete Marovich/The New York Times)

Credit: NYT

OPINION

Georgia is at a crossroads in global AI race, but here’s how state can thrive

OPINION

Nov. 4 Election Day: Local races count more than any national contest

OPINION

Atlanta airport chose equity and lost federal dollars in a win for travelers

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

MARTA and Beltline rail two big transportation items on mayor’s agenda

While reaffirming his commitment to building light rail along the Beltline, Mayor Dickens says the first segment should go where transportation needs are greatest: SW Atlanta.

Georgia women face geographic gaps in prenatal care

Fewer than half of Georgia's counties have a full-time OB-GYN, according to data analyzed by the AJC, and many women lack the time and money to make regular prenatal visits.

Ex-Stonecrest mayor accused of lying about prison time to run for City Council

Jason Lary, who spent more than two years in prison after he admitted pocketing COVID relief money, allegedly claimed he was not a convicted felon in pre-election paperwork.