Are School Cellphone Bans the New Norm? Plus, AI Concerns and the Boo Basket Dilemma!
In this issue of News for Parents: Why are one teen's parents suing his school in federal court over a history paper? What does your child's birth order suggest about their potential mental health risks? And ah, fall is finally here in all its pumpkin-spice, Halloween-ghoulish glory. Are you ready for it?
But first, have you noticed? Schools are tightening the rules on cellphone use, and it seems most parents are in favor.
SCHOOL CELLPHONE BAN
According to recent data from Pew Research Center, 68% of parents support some form of restriction.
However, opinions diverge on the specifics: only 36% back an all-day ban, while 53% prefer limiting cellphone use to classrooms only.
Restricting cellphone access can boost student focus, improve social skills, and help reduce bullying. Yet, 60% of those opposing an all-day ban express concern about their child's ability to access a phone in emergencies. Unfortunately, school shootings often come to mind in this context.
Among those against a full-day ban, 32% feel that parents—not teachers—should have the final say on when their kids can use their phones, while 31% argue that cellphones can be valuable educational tools.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SCHOOLS
The parents of a Massachusetts teen are suing their son's high school school after he was accused of cheating on a history paper, a situation they say has harmed his grades and college admission prospects.
According to the lawsuit filed in federal court, the student used AI for research but wrote the paper himself. Despite this, he was given detention and barred from the National Honor Society.
The parents claim the school's policy on AI use is vague. The school has declined to comment due to the ongoing litigation.
Are your children's schools addressing AI in schoolwork? If so, how?
BIRTH ORDER & MENTAL HEALTH
First-born and only children are more likely to face mental health challenges by age eight, according to a new study. Compared to their siblings, first-borns have a nearly 50% higher risk of anxiety and a 35% higher risk of depression. "Only" children are 42% more likely to develop anxiety and 38% more likely to experience depression.
BREAST MILK SHORTAGE
Did you know hospitals need breast milk donations like blood donations? According to Motherly, there's a breast milk shortage, and you can help!
Milk donations support NICU families—babies fighting to survive and moms recovering from birth complications. Find out how to donate and make a huge impact here.
The need for breast milk and formula is especially urgent in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, where moms have lost months' worth of frozen milk, can't find formula, or don't have clean water to wash and sterilize bottles. Read more here.
ARE CROCS... A CROCK?
Have you heard? Wearing Crocs --or similar shoes – all day might not be the best choice for your little ones, according to some podiatrists. The doctors say they are seeing various foot issues related to the shoes in their practices, including heel and arch pain.
Crocs, the company, says they haven’t seen any substantiated evidence to support these claims.
IMPORTANT RECALLS
📌 The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling Fisher-Price Snugga Swings for increased risk of suffocation. At least five children between one and three months have died while using the swings in the last 12 years.
📌 Plus: Why the CPSC is discussing bans on infant neck floats, here.
BOO TO THE BOO-BASKET?
🎃 Are “boo baskets” the bane of your October or do you embrace them? One mom says she is over them!
DON'T FORGET... TAKE CARE OF YOU
🎀 October is breast cancer awareness month. Mamas, don’t forget your mammograms! And if you have dense breasts, you may need to go an extra step with an ultrasound.
FUN (FOR YOU & THE KIDS!)
🍿A Freaky Friday sequel is coming! August 8, 2025. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are reuniting after twenty years for Freakier Friday. All the deets here. And, PS: How amazing does Lohan look?!
If you haven't yet, please consider signing up for News for Parents.
Already a subscriber? Consider sharing News for Parents with a friend!
Your subscription and word-of-mouth recommendations mean a lot and will help News for Parents grow!