This year, our school introduced a new policy requiring all students to place their cell phones in a classroom caddy at the start of each period. The goal was to reduce distractions, encourage presence, and create more meaningful engagement during class. Change, of course, can bring a mix of reactions and reflections. especially from students who are directly impacted.
In the following blog post, one of our student, MK Bumgardner shares her honest perspective on what it’s been like to adjust to this new routine. Her reflections offer valuable insight into how policies like this shape learning, focus, and classroom culture from the student point of view.
Introduction
In the modern age, studies and the actions of students have seen phones become integrated into the classroom, whether you’re scanning a QR code to watch a video or using the device to film a presentation or project. With all of the advancements that come with these devices, distraction is not out of the question, which is why schools, and our state government itself, have been restricting phone usage at school. In this blog, I hope you give students and anyone else interested, a better idea of this policy, what it means, and the reactions I have seen from those at New Tech. In a school like this, the change was dramatic and we are still acclimating to the change, especially the students who like to use their phones for entertainment in the pauses between conversation and class.
Some think this is an unfair policy, others really see the benefits. Let’s take a deeper look and form an opinion ourselves, shall we?
What Is the Phone Policy Itself?
The phone policy is a state-wide requirement, districts across California are dealing with the same things we are, unruly kids and all. The policy requires that students have a place to keep their phones during classwork, away from their seats, to ensure focus and no distractions. New Tech has these hanging shelves called ‘phone caddies’ in each classroom, sometimes more than one, where teachers assign a pocket for the student to place their phone into. Often the pocket is assigned by attendance listings, some have arbitrary spots, and some don’t care where you put it, as long as it’s not touched. From the beginning of the class to the end, the students should not take their phone from their pocket unless instructed to do so for whatever reason.
The policy has also affected headphone use, confining their use to breaks in class, and even then only one ear is covered. Some schools may be more lenient with these rules than others, and I would say New Tech is on the calmer spectrum, though they have definitely made efforts to make the students aware of what they have to do and the risks of not following instructions.
If a student is found with their phone in use during class, their phone will be confiscated, taken to the office, and further punishment will be incurred if the action is repeated. It is a crackdown on phone usage, but what do the people under the restrictions say about it?
Students and the Phone Policy
I have found that a lot of students dislike this policy, often for the reason you’d expect. While I cannot relate to the need to use social media or message your friend rather than speaking to them, I can understand that the drastic adjustment does put some students off. A lot of students believe that the punishments are very severe for what could end up as a habitual check of notifications or a forgotten earbud. I wouldn’t put it against some students to lie that they did not bring their device, or try to create faux paper versions of their devices in order to fool their teachers, and I have heard the various grumblings and the groaning of students when they pick up their devices earlier than they’re supposed to. But, while sympathizing with teachers having to deal with teenagers and their social media ‘addictions’, I can also feel the frustrations of students who may rely on their devices to get work done.
Overall, there have been smoother class periods, with less interruptions to put away devices, meaning that more information can be given in class and more time can be taken advantage of to get work done. I do think more time is spent getting work done so the class goes by faster, but whether that is because they want to get their devices or make use of the time without distractions is difficult to tell.
Challenges of the Policy
One of the biggest issues I have dealt with regarding the phone policy is signing into the website that the Napa Valley Community College uses for classes, which requires a code or authentication to sign in. That authentication is tied to checking a secondary device, often a phone, in order to get access to the website to do anything regarding the class; From asking for help from the teacher to submitting assignments, we have to go over to the caddy and back to our seats, which can also delay other students from logging in as well.
Overall, it’s a mixed bag. There is less phone usage in class, but now there is added frustration for those taking college classes. Those who may need noise-cancelling headphones are forced to listen to the noise of their classmates and may end up behind on work. I do not care about the kids who downplay their actions to the teacher or try to talk back against a statewide policy, but I can see the anger of those who are stuck having to use them because of systems implemented before the policy. It’s a sticky situation, but I do think it can get better.
Conclusion
The phone policy sees students being unable to use their phones in class, which does stop distracted scrolling and unrelated conversations, but also leads to some frustrations for those who need them to get access to other classes or use them to help get work done. With this being the first year of this policy, there isn’t much telling what will happen, but I do believe that students will get used to this situation and benefit from it.
Just because I can’t see the benefits now doesn’t mean they aren’t there. I am an observer of a changing school culture, and I will flow with the tides as they roll against the beach. As long as teachers are understanding of those who may use their phone for college or their headphones to block out noise; and the students make the teacher aware of their issues and take responsibility for their education. As they say, the students who want to learn will learn, and those who don’t? You can’t teach them if they’re not willing. For now, strap in, put your phone in the caddy at the beginning of the period, and make the most of your school year.
