What Do Students Think About The New Cell Phone Policy?

Central High School implemented a new cell phone policy at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. They made this rule as a result of problems with students on their phones not paying attention or listening. This is a zero-tolerance policy which is much stricter than what it was last year. The rules state no warnings about phones being out, if a student’s phone is out, it's to be taken to the front office and one can pick it up after school. If it happens again your parents pick it up after school. The policy last year was loosely followed as it depended on the teacher to choose whether they wanted to take your phone or not. But in general, you had about three warnings and then they would maybe take your phone.

With those changes, we were curious about what students now thought of the new cell phone policy. The first interview was conducted with someone who wishes to stay anonymous, interviewed by Keiko Zellner.

What do you think about the central's new cell phone policy?

“It's a little over the top, they could've done something less extreme. I can't use my phone even after I'm done with all my work, which is annoying because I just have to sit there with nothing to do.”

What is another solution for the cell phone problem?

“Still have the policy in place but change it to where we can use our phones after work is done.”

Would you rather have a cellphone policy or not?

“No policy because it's your own personal choice whether you want to be on your phone and waste your time. It should be a personal choice because the only one stopping you from learning is yourself.”

Have you ever been distracted by someone using their cell phone in class?

“No, it's never been a distraction in class.”

Do you think other people have phone addictions?

“Yes, mostly everyone. People don't know how to put their phones down. It's really selfish when they don't pay attention to the teacher and the teacher has to continue talking when no one is listening.”

“Do you consider yourself a phone addict?

“Not at school, but yes I would say I am one at home.”

The second interview conducted was with Orlando San Miguel Morales, interviewed by Keiko Zellner.

When asked about the new cell phone policy he responded, “It's good but bad, it's good because it benefits the students and makes them pay attention but it's also bad because it gives the teachers too much control. They have us in an hour and thirty-minute class with no breaks and that sucks.”

When asked, “What is another solution to the cell phone problem?” He responded “A great example of a good teacher with the phone rule is Mr. Hynes-Stone because before there was a phone policy, he knew how to balance it. He would give breaks and let us get fresh air– but made us put it away during class. I noticed that no one really had a problem with it.”

When asked, “No policy or policy?” He said, “Policy because so many people are on their phones and don't do anything.”

When asked, "Are you a phone addict” he responded, "Not really, I use my phone for a lot of educational purposes. But I don't consider myself a phone addict like everyone else.”

When asked, “Do you think others are phone addicts?” He responded, “Yes. It's crazy how many people are phone addicts. They should put the phone down and pick up a book.”

This is what just two people have said about the new cell phone policy. This policy has been a huge inconvenience to some and a huge problem solver for others. There are pros and cons to everything but this has been a huge topic throughout school districts around the country.

Do you think there should be a cellphone policy at Central?