As it has been seen, there has been a cell phone policy established in the math classrooms around Frederick High School. But this was only the start. There has been talk of an all school cell phone policy that may be happening next school year. With this policy coming in, all students will be required to put their phones in the “cell phone hotels.”
Cell phones are seen as a constant distraction from class, which can impact the students’ learning experience. With this distraction just a reach away, educators, parents, and policymakers are hoping to have a policy by the beginning of next school year.
So far, eighteen states have enacted policies that restrict or completely ban phones during an educational day. This policy/law has been enforced in seven of the twenty top school districts in the United States.
Colorado Education Association says that educators are seeking ways to curb phone disruptions and prioritize learning. They also talk about how 83% of NEA members believe cell phone usage should be restricted throughout the day.
The Education Commision of the States talks about how a few states have already addressed this policy and are using it currently. These states are: Alabama, California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. Some of these states have established this policy more recently like Ohio and Virginia. Whereas, some established it a while ago, like California.
Freshman Mackenzie Smotts disagrees with this policy coming into place. Mackenzie says “I understand why teachers and staff members are for the phone policy. But from a student’s point of view, I don’t use my phone to the extent described. I know that others do, but the main reason we have phones at this age is to be more independent, but also to communicate with our parents. That is the main reason I use my phone during school. So especially at our ages, we should have a choice, and if we choose not to pay attention and not learn, that’s on us. Not the teachers or staff.”
Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, a former teacher and a principal, who wrote an article for Education week talks about why the ban of cellphones is a bad idea. He says “something clicked for me when I recognized that a device could be a tool and a gateway for learning, not just a barrier. The reality of today’s classroom is that students are accustomed to having their phones around—and they have been conditioned to engage fluently with technology. For many kids, especially in districts that lack resources to provide alternative devices to students, the phone serves as a calculator, translator, mini-computer, and door to information.”
The article also states that “We are turning away from technology at the exact moment when we could and should be leaning into it.” Showing that cell phones could actually benefit students in educational ways.
Mr. Klimper, one of the math teachers here at FHS was asked the question “Do you believe this policy should happen? Why or why not?” He responded with “Yes, I think that the population as a whole struggles with cell phones. However, young minds are constantly distracted as is. Thinking about extracurricular activities, school crushes, friendships, school, etc. Keeping phones in students’ hands adds on to these thoughts with TikTok, clash of clans, instagram, snapchat, etc. I think that removing this small distraction can help students focus on the reason they are in school to begin with, which is to learn. I also think that as a teacher it is hard to limit cheating, communication on phones while teaching, distractions, cyber bullying, and just a general lack of motivation while cell phones are in use. I think that having a policy that requires students to ditch the cell phones is crucial for school wide academic success.”
Mr. Kilmper was also asked “As a math teacher, with the policy already happening in your class, have you seen improvement from students?” He replied with “My class turns phones into the “phone hotel” at the beginning of each class. At times some may ask if they can change a song or text their mother or something and I try to be lenient considering this change. I feel it has improved students’ focus in classroom lectures and different lessons because they are not worried about TikTok or snapchat. I feel it might not motivate students, however it limits distractions which is a big deal as a math teacher.”
Overall, there are a lot of mixed opinions on whether or not this policy on cell phones should actually happen. Lots of students disagree, some do agree. Most teachers and staff agree. But will this actually happen? It is not confirmed for Frederick High School yet, but there is lots of talk.
Could taking phones away be beneficial for the students learning progress, most definitely. But it also could affect the students with not being able to contact parents, use it for educational purposes, listen to music during free time, etc.
