With the start of the new year comes new changes—none more controversial than the brand new phone policy. From the second students walk into class, they are expected to put their phones in a numbered phone caddy, only being able to pick them up at the end of the period. This change was implemented as a response to research done on the impact of phones as a distraction for students, with Principal Erickson stating that “the vibration or ding of a cell phone call, text, or push notification has shown to be a significant distraction for students if their device is within arm’s reach.”
Within the student body, however, this change has sparked some controversial debate. According to Eric Zeng, ‘27, “I think it’s kind of dumb and more of a waste of time,” elaborating by saying that “the people who don’t pay attention in class are going to find other ways to not pay attention in class.”
However, when asking band teacher Mr. Kleindl about his opinions on the new policy, he stated that “I love it. It keeps kids off of their phones during class and [keeps them] more focused and more attentive” which allows faster and more efficient teaching, even to the point of “giving students more time to study or do their homework.” In fact, some students agree that the policy is reasonable. For example, Claire Penningroth, ‘26, stated that it’s fair to have to put your phone away to focus in lectures because “that’s content you need to know and learn to succeed in the class.”
Yet, there are other effects of this new policy even to those who have not regularly used their phone in class. Jacob Poncelet, ‘28, stated that “it takes longer to get out of class.” Furthermore, Zeng highlighted that the caddies are known to fall and “it’s kind of annoying to know all of your numbers for each class.” But Penningroth points out the specific challenges this policy poses for seniors, stating that “It’s a lot more difficult to make plans for lunch since I am a senior and can leave campus”, emphasizing how it’s harder to fully use senior privileges without proper communication with friends.
Ultimately, it appears that the opinions of the staff and students are in opposition. Staff seem to appreciate the caddies for making students more present. Kleindl said, “I think the long term outcomes is going to outweigh the short term instant gratification of checking your phone,” effectively summarizing the goal of the phone policy. But for many students, it may mark an inefficient and intrusive policy, with it “not really doing any positive changes because people are just gonna find a way around it” according to Zeng.
