In response to rising concerns about cell phones, Thunderbird High School, along with other Glendale Union High School District Schools, has implemented a strict new phone policy that bans students from having their phones in buildings during class hours.
Across America, schools are increasingly restricting phone use, citing issues like students being filmed without consent or distracted by online platforms. While the intention behind this is clear, reducing distractions and protecting students, it raises serious questions about whether this measure is necessary.
According to Thunderbird High School administrators, the phone policy is being executed in order to ensure “the best academic and social experience for students; issues surrounding the use of cell phones [are] distraction in class [and] misuse of cell phones.” This explanation is justifiable, as most teachers believe the new phone policy has helped some students become more focused during class, but all students should not be punished because a small group of students have a history of being distracted with their phones.
The current policy leaves too much discretion to individual teachers on how to enforce the policy. Some teachers allow students to keep phones in their backpacks while others require them to be locked away. Thunderbird’s decision to completely leave it up to teachers on whether phones are in students’ reach, whether in a pocket chart or locked in a Yondr pouch, may go too far. For example, a teacher at Thunderbird enforces the policy by having their students put their phones in a bucket for the entire class period. Keeping several students’ phones in a singular bucket is unsanitary and a breeding ground for bacteria with phones from each class period touching. All teachers should be required to have students put their phones only in backpacks. “I don’t want to have to take away phones; I want to trust my students as young adults to keep them put away,” said Ms. Pavlik, an algebra teacher at Thunderbird. Where students’ cell phones are during a class period should not vary by teacher. It is a simple compromise that maintains safety and accessibility without overreach.
While the concerns about cellphones in class are valid, banning phones entirely risks leaving students without access to communication in emergencies, severe or personal. A devastating result could occur if phones are locked away during a crisis. Arizona Supt.argued that, “Safety officials want students listening to the instructions being given to the class. They don’t want them to be talking on their cell phones in case of. Let’s say. a lockdown.” However, if a school lockdown does take place, a student might not be able to say goodbye to their loved ones if their phones are confiscated.
Teachers should be required to only allow phones in backpacks and address disruptions as they see fit. This way, students can still have access to their phones when needed, while maintaining a focus on education and safety.
