Using your phone in school, even for academic purposes, is according to some students a losing game of cat-and-mouse where no one wins.
Such is the case of sophomore Annika Liabraaten, who attempted to follow class procedures regarding a piece of homework only to lose points because of the phone policy.
“My science teacher wanted us to turn in an assignment online, but didn’t let us get our phones out. The assignment was due before the end of the school day and I lost points for it being late,” Liabraaten said.
Over the past three months after the policy was implemented, Principal Andrew Brownson noted the response to the policy in classrooms.
“Reports from staff have been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve also had a number of students say they like it,” Brownson said.
Throughout the student body, opinions differ widely.
“I do think the policy helps me pay attention in class and get more done,” sophomore Claire Ashbaugh said.
Though the overall response to the phone policy has been positive, some worry about issues they’ve noticed that may have the opposite effect of the intended purpose.
“It’s nice to not have a distraction while I’m actively doing something, but it feels a bit counterproductive when I like to listen to music to help me focus, and some classes I can’t do that,” freshman Prisha Lokesh said.
Another concern is not being able to contact parents during class. Plans changing or emergencies make the rule of contacting the office seem counterproductive to some.
“I’m worried if any emergencies happen I won’t be able to contact home–that’s why I like the classes where we can keep them on us,” Ashbaugh said.
Despite the initial grumbling, Principal Brownson and the student body do agree that focus in the classroom has improved.
“I know that not everyone likes the policy, but I’ve had a few students say that they felt like it’s been helpful for them,” Brownson said.
Students feel the phone policy lessens the opportunity for distraction, assisting with concentration in a learning environment filled with temptors.
“I feel like when people are on their phones less it helps with distractions, like when we’d have an assignment that requires work time it would end up being phone time,” senior Madison Ford said.
One of the challenges facing the policy is consistency, noted by both Brownson and students.
Between classrooms, departments, and grade levels, enforcement of the policy differs from room to room.
“Some teachers don’t even want you using your phone for assignments for their own class; I had a worksheet that I couldn’t turn in, which I thought was weird,” Lokesh said.
Brownson acknowledged the biggest challenge.
“Consistency is going to be the hardest thing. I don’t think that it is being implemented as consistently as I would like,” Brownson said.
Despite these concerns, administration and students have hope for the future of the policy.
“Overall, I am pleased with where we’re at and I think there is room for growth,” Brownson said.
