The 2025-2026 school year has brought many changes; most notably, the elimination of phones during class. The Commonwealth of Virginia thought this phone ban would benefit schools but, for many teachers, it has caused problems. 

Langley Leadership teacher Hannah Rad has had to get new technology, forced to work around the new policy. Rad has worked with Principal Stroud in recent weeks, although students are still expected to get their necessary camera footage for the class out of school and at lunch time. 

“We are now using more dated technology such as handheld cameras and iPads which, unfortunately, do not produce the same audio or video quality as cellphones,” Rad said. 

Photography teacher Kelly Mulligan has also had major setbacks in her curriculum. She has had to change the structure of her classes to hurdle the drastic measures of the new policy. 

“I have had to adjust lessons, rewrite instructions and budget for extra time to complete tasks,” Mulligan said. 

Apart from teachers, junior Varenya Immidisetti is having trouble finding rides home after school due to a lack of phone accessibility. Immidisetti thinks that the main reason for the phone ban, for less distractions, isn’t working, with students finding sneaky ways to play games.

 “I think being able to communicate with my parents is a little harder,” Immidisetti said. 

Even though we’re allowed to have it at lunch, it’s a little short notice if I need to get a ride home or something.”

This year, Rad teaches her broadcast journalism class more thoroughly due to technology changes. She has to teach new skills different from former years to 34 students with various experience levels. 

“I had to spend more time teaching Broadcast 1 students how to obtain interviews & footage and it’s not as easy to just send students out to get footage. They are now having to use new cameras, mics, and editing skills,” Rad said. 

For Mulligan, it can feel like her classes take place decades in the past. Things that would be a quick fix with phones now take an eternity, and memory cards add even more struggle. 

 “Without phones, we are working in a manner that has been obsolete for nearly 20 years. It’s frustrating to know there is an easier way to do something, and with hard publication deadlines, the loss of efficiency is an unwelcome adjustment,” Mulligan said.