The new phone policy in schools has raised concerns among students and parents. The phone ban ignores the effect it can have on a student’s ability to work. Anxiety can form among students who aren’t near their phones, making them distracted and unable to finish their classwork.
Brandon Nasuti, a sophomore at RV, states that students should be able to use their phones during free periods: “I’m disappointed with the phone policy because I was excited to get some freedom compared to middle school and I know when I could go on my phone and couldn’t.” “I just miss being able to take pictures with friends during periods like study halls where I could relax and remember these memories. I believe we should be able to go on our phones during study hall, I/E’s, or any kind of free period. I think there should be restrictions during class, but not during free periods,” added Nasuti.
The new phone policy has made many feel cut off because it doesn’t allow students to use their phones during free blocks. Phones help students stay connected with friends and family throughout the day. Without them, they feel isolated and unable to reach out for help or share moments with others easily. Many students also rely on their phones for quick access to information or to manage their daily tasks, making it harder to adjust to the policy.
Instead of initially warning students that their phones are out, teachers take phones without informing them, leaving students with a lack of communication with authorities. The policy also makes it difficult for students to contact their families in an emergency, which is a safety issue.
If students are in an unsafe situation, they cannot call for help quickly, negatively impacting the response time. Parents might also feel uneasy because they are unable to check in with their children during the day. If something happens, students and parents won’t have that quick line of communication which causes unnecessary worry.
Diya Saini, a sophomore at RV, expressed her problem with the new policy: “I think the new phone policy is too much. I understand that we should not be using our phones in class, but it should be fine to hold them in our hands.”
Saini also expressed her frustration with the mysterious suddenness of the new policy: “They became stricter this year for no apparent reason, and I believe they should tone it down slightly. I believe they should have changed the policy’s wording. The phone policy should be that we cannot use our phones in class without the permission of an adult, but we can hold them in our hands as we did last year. In addition, because it is not a real class, I believe we should be allowed to use it during study hall.”
In conclusion, the new phone policy causes more harm than good. It leaves students feeling disconnected and creates safety concerns during emergencies. The lack of communication between students and their parents adds extra stress for many families who want to have the ability to contact their loved ones in an emergency. Schools should rethink the policy and find a better alternative to keep students focused while still allowing them to stay safe and connected.
