It’s a new school year, and the school is buzzing with the news of a new cell phone policy. Teachers and students alike have noticed.
The new policy states, “Cell phones & other devices may not be accessed in any hallway, classroom, or locker dressing room during any class period. Students may use in the hallway/cafeteria during passing period,”
The debate whether cell phones actually help or distract has always been a controversial issue.
According to a PewResearchCenter study, 75% of teens age 12- 17 now own cell phones, which has gone up 45% since 2004.
Senior, Shyanne Meads said “I don’t like the new cell phone policy. I think we should be able to use them for educational purposes,”
Although there was no real change in the policy this year, Thomas Szlanda, the new Principal says he has “implemented a strategy to minimize distraction.”No cell phone may be visible during class on a desk.
“In certain situations we can use cell phones, however, we have provided all students with a laptop, so they don’t need to use a cell phone during class,” Szlanda said.
Szlanda’s objective this year is always to learn. Taking away from that learning is cellphones. If you are texting, your brain can’t concentrate on both the teacher and your phone, which is a big reason that schools don’t allow them.
“Parents think they need to get ahold of their child. If they call the office instead we will always communicate the information to the child as soon as possible,” Szlanda said.
One teacher has created her own policy this year. Megan Ruby, Spanish and English teacher, said, “I bought a shoe pouch and put it in the front of my classroom. Students who feel they are often tempted to use cell phones or just to check them can put their phone in a pouch during instruction time. When class is over, they can get their phone,”
The new policy has shifted life in the classroom. Cell phones can be used for educational tools, but more often than not they are just distracting. Szlanda said that he isn’t sure how the policy will affect students work and test scores. However he hopes that with continued support and enforcement by every teacher it can become a positive change.
