Calls Mount for Stricter Discipline and Phone Bans in Schools as Educator Daniel Buck Outlines Five Practical Reforms

Washington, D.C. – Prominent education reform advocate Daniel Buck, known as the "Youngest Old Man in Ed Reform," has reiterated his strong stance on improving school environments by advocating for the elimination of student cell phone use and the implementation of robust behavioral consequences. In a recent social media post, Buck outlined five practical ideas, with three explicitly targeting phone removal and two emphasizing discipline, garnering significant attention amidst ongoing debates about student conduct and academic focus.

"5 practical ideas to improve schools: 1) Get rid of phones 2) Get rid of phones 3) Real consequences for behavior 4) Get rid of phones 5) See #3," Buck stated in his tweet.

Buck, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and director of the Conservative Education Reform Network, has consistently argued that cell phones are a major distraction in classrooms. Research supports this position, with studies indicating that even the mere presence of a phone can negatively impact student performance. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research found that devices reduce cognitive capacity, while other analyses show students without phones perform 13-20% better on exams.

The call for "real consequences for behavior" addresses a growing concern among educators regarding declining student conduct. Buck contends that a movement away from punitive discipline, often favoring approaches like "restorative justice," has led to increased classroom disruption and a less safe learning environment. He advocates for consistent, school-wide discipline policies, noting that teachers frequently report student behavior as a primary cause of stress and burnout.

Many states and districts are already moving towards stricter cell phone policies. Florida became the first state to ban phones in public school classrooms in 2023, and over 30 states have since advanced or passed similar measures. These policies range from in-class restrictions to bell-to-bell bans requiring devices to be locked away. Proponents highlight studies showing that phone bans can reduce psychological symptoms, lower bullying incidents, and improve academic outcomes, particularly for girls and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Despite the growing momentum for phone bans and stricter discipline, some parents express concerns about safety, particularly the ability to contact children during emergencies. However, experts like Melissa Henson of the Parents Television and Media Council suggest that on-site first responders are more effective in such situations than remote parent contact. Buck's proposals reflect a broader push within education reform circles to re-establish clear boundaries and focus on foundational learning conditions.