In an attempt to create a more engaging and attentive learning environment, our school has put in place a new phone policy that prohibits the use of phones during class and in the hallways during a class block. Implementing this new policy has created many diverse opinions about the success of it. The policy aims to reduce distractions, limit the negative use of social media, and improve the academic performance of the students at the school. Though well-intentioned, many see the policy as a negative and ineffective decision, as it can make students feel disconnected and limit access for emergency purposes. As the school continues to enforce this new policy, South students have weighed in about whether they think the policy has benefitted them academically this school year.
The chart shows that almost half of the students that filled out the survey believe that this new phone policy has academically benefited them. For example, according to junior student Alessia Troia of Middletown South, “I would say the new phone policy at South has benefited me academically because it prevents me from getting distracted while I’m doing my work. I have also seen an improvement in my grades this year.”
Another junior student, Julia Prettitore, claims, “I think the new phone policy has definitely made a change in my grades and keeping my phone in my bag gives me a lot less distractions.”
Many students think the phone policy has benefited them academically, but dislike how strict the policy is. Another junior states, “Although my grades have benefitted, I do not agree with taking a student’s phone until the end of the day because I was on it in the hallway.”
There are many mixed opinions about the policy and how students think it affects their career as a highschool student. Some students think there has been no change in their performance. Freshman, Conrad, states, “I think the phone policy has not benefited me academically. I think my grades and dedication to school have stayed the same.” South gymnast, junior, Cammy Czwakiel agrees, and states, “The phone policy has made no change in my work and social life in school.”
An anonymous junior student expresses how the policy negatively impacts their school day. He states, “No, I don’t think the phone policy benefits me. When I get a notification in my pocket it gives me the urge to look at my phone, and I know I can’t take it out to check who it is, even if it’s my mom or someone important.”
The Middletown School District’s phone policy states that phones are not to be used during class or in hallways at school, otherwise students risk their phones being confiscated for the entire day. It seems as though there are students on both sides of this debate. Some believe it relieves stress and allows them to focus on school, while others view this policy as a distraction itself because it makes students feel disconnected and not have the ability to view their phones. Either way, it looks like the policy is here to stay for the near future.