The statewide school phone ban enacted this year has been a monumental change in how our school functions. Whether they love or hate it, everyone has an opinion on it.
Some students have complained about not being able to listen to music, and others have found other ways besides phone use to procrastinate when it comes to doing schoolwork.
One musically-inclined student, senior Cameron Sefranek, resonates with this view, and has found a clever way to listen to music without a phone.
“I bought an old iPod from Ebay,” he said. “It’s not distracting or outlawed like a phone, and I still get to enjoy my playlists.”
Although most people claim that their routine hasn’t changed, certain classes had previously relied on technology. Tech theater class is an example.
“We’ve had to find ways to do things differently this year – for example, our method of taking pictures and organizing paperwork,” senior Wesley Whaples said. “We lost access to an important tool. Now, we have to operate without relying on as much technology.”
Another case made against the ban is that a barrier to communication raises safety concerns. “I feel that America’s not safe enough for a ban yet. If my phone’s confiscated and something dangerous happens at school, I’ll have no way to call my parents. I feel less secure,” shares Mark Wilkinson.
For teachers, the students’ behavior change is positive and noticeable.
Coach and teacher Matthew Hamilton said, “In my 35 years of teaching, the introduction and then use of technology in schools had increased to the point where it caused us major impairments. So, I’m happy to see that students have started making eye contact in the halls and greeting each other. They socialize more, and they are so much more focused. There’s more continuity in their thought processes and engagement in class.” Hamilton is curious about the students’ opinions. Unexpectedly, some students liked the ban.
“There are benefits to technology, but there has to be a boundary. [Cellphones] can be like an addiction, so it’s important to know when it is an appropriate time to use it,” he said.
