In today’s world, cell phones are practically an extension of our hands, especially since most of us grew up with them. So it isn’t a surprise that older generations see this constant connection as an addiction, but for many of us, phones are tools just as much as toys. This blurred line has led to heated debates over whether students should be allowed to use phones in school, sparking new rules like sealing students’ phones, which can often be frustrating and ineffective.
The cellphone rule debate isn’t going anywhere. Schools argue that cutting down on students using their phones helps everyone focus, but these rules often cause more problems than they solve. Emergencies, individual learning needs, and practical enforcement are a few reasons why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. In my opinion, it would be easier for schools if they took phones away as needed, like in cases of students disrupting others.
According to FOX5 Atlanta, many schools in Georgia are attempting to reduce cellphone use in class using mostly unpopular methods. Some counties, specifically Dekalb, are willing to spend thousands of dollars to keep kids off of their phones. Allegedly, this helps students stay focused, but I think it’s just an excessive hassle. These rules raise questions about emergencies, learning tools, and personal responsibility.
What about emergency preparedness? Students can get bullied without help from staff and parents need to get in contact with their children during a crisis – in or out of school. Parents can call the school’s front office, but it is much more convenient for a parent to text the child directly.
Almost everyone is used to calling people on their phone, so much so that a parent could easily forget their child can’t have their phone in class, and could think they’re being ignored. Students also have free periods and lunch. Not everyone has friends and sometimes teens just want to be left alone. Having their phone would be a great solution because they can do stuff they enjoy, like reading or watching TV.
These rules are unnecessary because all students are different. Some students need to be monitored constantly. Other students move at their own pace but still accomplish what needs to be done. Some students need to listen to music or watch stuff while they work. A lot of students like to be able to take breaks while doing their work to avoid getting overwhelmed. It’s not like schools always provide activities or breaks. While these rules could keep some students on the right track, it could make a lot of others bored, which could make them lose enthusiasm for their work.
Additionally, the rules are not a good way to teach students responsibility. If they’re always on their phone, and not doing assignments, they might fail, but that could be a good learning opportunity. In college, for the most part, they don’t constantly remind you to turn off your phone, they normally ask you to leave if you are being disruptive or give a failing grade to a student not paying attention. While these rules may not be entirely useless, they could be implemented better, avoiding punishing students who do what they are supposed to because of the student who don’t.
If rules seem like a bit much, look at how they’re enforced and implemented. The article I mentioned earlier talks about using phone pouches that seal students’ phones from arrival to dismissal. This blocks access for all school hours. This method wastes a lot of time but also costs a lot of money since it is around $30 per student.
One other method is having teachers make sure students aren’t on their phones and if they are, the teacher gets in trouble. A big problem with this method is that a teacher can’t always pay attention to a full class. They could be writing on a board, helping another student, not to mention students can be pretty crafty with how they hide their phones.
I spoke with three students who attend schools that use phone-sealing envelopes. James Nicolson, 17, said it is an “unnecessary thing when most people just used a fake phone or ended up breaking the thing open before school ended.”
All three students said it was very easy to break it since the pouches are carried by the students. All someone needs is something slim and sharp to break the lock, like a nail. They also said you could use a specific type of magnet, since that is how the schools unlock it. But if the magnet is too weak it won’t do anything. If it is too strong, it can’t be opened at all. With these methods, students rarely got caught, but if they do they pay a $30 fine.
“It would be better if they focused on literally anything else and got off our backs about the stupid phones,” said Nicolson.
I spoke with two teachers who requested anonymity, but each mentioned how some schools without the envelopes would have administration go into classrooms. If the administrator saw a phone, the teacher would get into trouble. This leads teachers creating their own methods of keeping phones out of students’ hands. For example, some have what they call “phone parking lots,” which are are hung on the wall, where students have their own assigned sleeves. But students can avoid these by saying they don’t have a phone.
Instead of wasting money on complicated systems, or micromanaging students, schools should just deal with phones on a case-by-case basis. If a student is disrupting class with their phone, take it away. If they’re using it responsibly, during free time or as a learning tool, let them be. Phones are part of daily life now. Schools need to find a balance that reflects that reality. Blanket bans don’t teach responsibility; they just create unnecessary tension between students and staff. By focusing on individual behavior, rather than punishing everyone, schools could avoid a lot of these headaches.
