Along with that, another policy has been added to that rule, being that students have to leave their phones inside the classroom when they go to the restroom. Shekinah Bamage, a senior at LSHS thinks that the no phones in the bathroom is anserine and a bit unsafe.
“I think communication is key with that one, like if there is something going on behind the scenes that your teacher doesn’t know about or your classmates don’t know about, that could be an exception,” Bamage said.
Though there are many opposed to the rule, some don’t mind it and even think it should be enforced more.
“I’m not really that attached to my phone, I think we only should use them when it’s not work time and let a teacher know if you need to pull it out for something,” junior Brianna Tilghman expressed.
Many times when students are in active academic times or mainly at the beginning of class, they are quite likely to hear their teacher telling the class that phones and headphones need to be turned off and put away for the duration of class, causing negative feelings about the restrictions.
Impact of Cell Phones on Students and the Classroom says that phones have been said to cause “reduced focus and engagement in the learning process, potentially leading to lower academic performance”.
Nonetheless, cell phones have become valuable educational tools in schools, offering students quick access to information and resources. They enable students to research topics, collaborate with peers and utilize educational apps that enhance learning. Should Students Have Cell Phones at School? | Psychology Today, an article found on the topic says they still can be used in a positive educational light during school hours and class time.
“Some of the biggest potential benefits of cell phones in school or classrooms include improving access to and engagement in learning….For some students with disabilities, phones can be powerful tools for increasing accessibility to learning materials and classroom participation,” The article states. Teachers can also integrate cell phones into lessons, using them for interactive quizzes, real-time surveys and multimedia presentations.
Despite their benefits, cell phones in school can also be a significant source of distraction. Students may become preoccupied with social media, gaming, or texting, leading to reduced focus on their studies.
Unregulated cell phone use can disrupt classroom dynamics, as notifications and constant access to entertainment hinder both individual and group productivity. Furthermore, cell phones can facilitate cheating during exams and foster cyberbullying, impacting students’ mental health and academic integrity. Without clear guidelines and proper enforcement, cell phone misuse can undermine the quality of education and create an environment less conducive to learning.
Additionally, cell phones improve communication, allowing students to contact parents during emergencies and participate in school activities efficiently. When used responsibly, these devices can foster engagement, creativity and adaptability in a modern, tech-driven educational environment. According to Parents push back on school cellphone bans | K-12 Dive, “The National Parents Union found some 58% said cellphone access is needed so parents can get in touch with their children and find out where they are and 48% said contact is needed to coordinate transportation,”
To conclude, students along with parents do believe there are some positive aspects to having your cell phone at school but there are still negatives too. Schools need to keep working together with students and parents to find a healthy median so everyone can stay happy and safe.
