Middle School Teacher's '#HairVsPhones' Challenge Could Cost Him His Hair

Indianapolis public school social studies teacher Roger Willliams believes his middle school students are becoming too connected to their smart phones. Williams also says students need to learn how to harness the power of social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

On Monday, the teacher combined both topics in a unique challenge.

Image source: Instagram/MrWilliamsInsta

Williams bet students he could attract more followers on Instagram by Friday than the most popular student in the class.

If the teacher wins the bet, students will be forced to leave their smartphones at home for a week. However, if he loses the challenge, Williams will have to shave his head.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Williams had just over 1,100 followers on Instagram. His No.1 student competitor had 2,800.

TheBlaze spoke with Williams by phone at his school Tuesday. Asked what prompted him to make the bet with the kids, he answered, "The phones were becoming too important to them. I tell them that's not where they will find their self worth."

Is smartphone use during class really that pervasive? "Yes," said Williams, "I just left a class where I caught a student 'face timing' with a friend of his."

TheBlaze wondered if the students were banding together to make sure he has to shave his head. "Not at all," said Williams, "they are overconfident and don't think they need to do anything." He also added, "They will probably panic on Thursday."

(H/T: WHTR-TV)

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