Cell phones in hallways, in the library and in the cafeteria. It’s a student’s paradise, but surprisingly, a teacher’s sigh of relief as well.
Before the new cell phone policy, teachers had to worry about their obligation to be on the lookout for phones in the hallway, take them from students and deliver them to the office. With this new policy, they no longer have as much hassle because it is no longer their duty to confiscate cell phones all the time.
The same goes for all other administrators and school personnel. Many are in favor of the new policy, as long as it is not abused. “I don’t find the cell phone policy an issue. The kids are really respecting the rules and we haven’t had any real incidents yet. It’s working really well,” said Librarian Ms. Ortiz. In the end, it comes down to the students and their use of the policy.
The new policy, implemented in February, allows students free-use of cell phones and other electronic devises in the cafeteria and during passing time. It also allows for cell phone use for classroom activity, but only if a teacher has approved.
Teachers trust students not to use their phones during lessons. “I have no problem with the cell phone policy because I have never been extremely strict about it. We use cell phones for some activities, like as stopwatches for labs, so there are times when they can be used appropriately,” said physics teacher Ms. Ell.
However, if a student is abusing the new policy, there are still consequences. “If somebody is playing with phones during class and I catch them for the second time, then I will take it away,” Ms. Ell added. Ultimately, it is up to teachers’ discretion as to how much students can use their phones during class.
Others feel like it’s inevitable, and change should be embraced. “I have always followed the policy and I’ve taken my fair share of phones. As long as it’s at the teacher’s discretion, I’m okay with it,” said English teacher Mr. Krivak. “It’s the world we live in and the world has changed.”