It’s WHS’s fifth week of the 2024-2025 school year.
It’s about time we revisit how the new cell phone policy in classrooms is impacting our school community.
Even though the school administration said the policy was to keep phones from distracting students and teachers, the initial reaction when school began wasn’t very forgiving. Fast forward a few weeks, and students still seem to have the same viewpoint on the entire situation.
A good question is why students are so reluctant to use their cell phones in class.
“Many students, like myself, wish to stay in touch with our parents or family, especially when something of dire importance is going on in our personal lives,” said a student who didn’t want to be identified.
“I believe it is an infringement of my rights,” another student stated.
Students are very adamant that their phone is an essential part of their daily lives, and having it on them at all times of the day is a personal need.
Still, administrators and teachers feel differently, saying the phones have helped lessen distractions so far.
“While walking around my class the other day, a group of students stopped me and asked for clarification on a question,” said Seals. “Once answered, it was quickly followed by more questions, wanting to ensure everyone at the table had everything done,”
Seal responded that they did and how impressed she was with their work ethic.
“They quickly felt led to inform me that that was not normal for them, and it was because they didn’t have their phones to play on. I asked how they felt about the phone policy, and this group of four young men told me they had noticed how much more productive they are and really like that aspect of it.”
Another argument is that students having to put their phones in a designated caddy every period prevents them from learning healthy habits with their devices.
Finn Gardiner, a sophomore who is also currently the number one ranked student in the 2027 class, stands strongly against the new cell phone policy.
“I personally dislike the new policy as it restricts us from and does not allow us to learn the differences between when to use our phones and when not to,” he said. “Our lives revolve around technology, and by essentially prohibiting the use of it, we are unable to learn effective and proper habits within it.”
Gardiner also claims that the punishment for being on your phone is far too over the top.
“I can be given the same punishment for using my phone as someone that smoked or fought on school property,” Gardiner said. “I find that ridiculous.”
As the school year progresses, it is apparent that students are against the policy. Opinions may only get stronger as students become progressively annoyed at the situation.