In the modern day, phones are useful for many things –– communication, navigation, educational aids, and unfortunately, distraction. Debate over phone policies being enforced in school has been ongoing. However, while restricting the usage of phones during school hours can be beneficial to the students, it can also be detrimental. It can take away from many opportunities that are available through cellular devices and can even have negative effects on mental health. 

Cell phones are very important tools, connecting students to their friends, family and others. They also allow for various forms of communication and learning. Especially in the modern day, having digital skills is necessary. By banning the use of cell phones, schools prevent students from being prepared for a digital future.

“I admit that sometimes I do get distracted or end up messaging my friends during class, but I also think that having my phone, especially because I’m a senior who is involved in a lot of different activities around school, is important because things are always changing and people always have questions for me,” senior Triya Gudipati said. 

The assumption that banning the use of phones will help students work and focus better is simply false. Some students need their phones on their person to reduce anxiety, and maybe even short phone breaks to focus. Distractions have existed in classrooms long before cell phones were invented, and they will always exist, whether or not cell phones are allowed. Lack of focus and engagement can arise from inefficient teaching methods and a lack of connection between the students and the curriculum.

“I think that if my teachers taught better, and made their lessons more interesting, I would be able to focus more and engage better,” sophomore Natalie Cochran said.  

Regardless, some teachers still support firm phone policies, using phone boxes or hanging phone organizers, like science teacher Stephanie Robert. 

“My phone policy is that all phones are up in a phone cubby, which I lovingly refer to as my phone jail. This is enforced every single day. Students need to be focused on the class and do not get their phones until the bell rings. This helps because they’re not worried about who’s texting them or what’s on social media. They get to be more engaged in class,” Robert said. 

While they have the right intentions, some teachers miss out on the opportunity to incorporate phones into their lessons to make them more interactive and productive for their students. Instead of just completely banning phones, teachers and school administrators should incorporate them into classes and other activities. This will help teach students to use their phones responsibly. By doing this, teachers will also help their relationships with students, enforcing trust and understanding. 

Overly strict phone policies can negatively impact relationships between students and faculty, with some students even going so far as to rebel against the policies. Some students have anxiety when they’re away from their phones, and this leads to them having trouble focusing. 

“I know that some people keep their phones regardless of the phone policy in their class because they just don’t want to follow it,” senior Bhavya Gupta said. 

Strict phone policies might offer short-term solutions in some classes, but as cell phones are essential in modern-day careers, schools should prepare students for this. By embracing new technology instead of completely banning it, schools can use it for development and growth instead of distractions.