Cell phone ban needs parental support

Schools across the region are tackling the issue of cellphone addiction among students, at least while on campus.

Well, maybe tackling the addiction is a bit strong. Let’s just say school boards here in Eastern Washington and elsewhere are finally taking action to keep phones out of students’ hands in classrooms.

At issue in many districts is whether cell phones should be allowed in class, at lunch, on buses or even on campus. It’s a no-brainer — the short answer is no.

Cellphone-addicted students are more focused on taking a “selfie” than they are learning. They’re more engrossed in texting t...