Recently the Arkansas Legislature passed a new that bans handheld cell phone use in school zones for the safety of the students.

“I think it’s the best thing for the safety of the students,” Searcy High School football coach, Tim Harper said. “I also think in the long run it’s probably the best thing for the drivers as well.”

Harper feels the new law is a good change and will be very useful.

One freshman parent feels the law is a mistake.

“I don’t agree with it at all.  I don’t see anything wrong with using my phone,” said Jennifer Foster. “I am on the phone a lot with my job and being unable to handle situations just because I’m on the school campus is very inconvenient.”

The Searcy High School resource officer, Officer Don Davis, has his own opinions on the law.

“I do see the benefit of the law. Driving is a privilege, we need to not take advantage of  it. There are too many distractions,” said Davis. “I wish people would be more responsible behind the wheel so we wouldn’t have to enact these laws.”

Whether good or bad the law stands, and it was passed to help ensure the safety of Arkansas children and adults.