Lodi High School introduces a new phone policy into their system. The phone policy has been implemented in numerous schools within the country, but now we are wondering if this policy even works. For starters, we should probably explain what this policy is. This policy requires students to either keep their phones and smart watches in their locker or turn them in at the beginning of class. It is very simple but has caused some debate in schools. We talked to one teacher and one student to get their opinions on this topic.
The first question we asked was what their thoughts are on the new phone policy. One of our teachers, Ms.Asheck, said, “I think the phone policy has been going really well so far. I like that phones are not locked up with one teacher all day long; I think it gives some flexibility and agency back to the students.” and she brings up a valid point. We would agree that it gives students a bit more control over their property and makes them feel more at ease. But let us turn it over to one of our students, Brianna Nance, to get her point of view. Brianna says, “I believe the phone policy can be beneficial to students, but at the same time I view it as pointless because it is only stopping students from using their phones at school, and truly, how many people follow that rule?” So it appears that Brianna understands why we have the policy but is questioning if people follow it.
Moving on to our second question ‘Do you think this policy will stay in place next year?’ Ms. Ashbeck said, “As of right now, I think that this policy will stay in place next year. There may be some small tweaks as the year goes on, but I think stricter phone policies are here to stay.” It was not stated what the changes or tweaks would be; however, we can imply that it is small changes that won’t affect too much. Brianna had an opposing viewpoint. She thinks that “Eventually teachers will get sick of telling students to put their phone in the box,” which seems like a realistic thing for some teachers.
And now for the third question ‘Do you think there’s a better alternative to this policy? If so, what?’ Ms. Ashbeck said, “I really like this policy so far, so I don’t have any alternatives yet. I may have more thoughts later in the school year!” So maybe we will revisit this topic at the end of the year. And now for the final question ‘Do you think smartwatches should be part of this policy?’ Ms. Ashbeck argues that “Smart watches can be just as distracting as cell phones, and the point of the policy is to minimize distractions during instructional time.” Brianna shares, “Sometimes I’m in class and can’t see the clock from my seat or I’m outside in gym and would like to know the time. Plus the watches don’t work without the phone and I didn’t pay hundreds of dollars for nothing!” we believe they both bring up a valid point the clock from my seat or I’m outside in the gym and would like to know the time. Plus the watches don’t work without the
This policy is in fact controversial, however, we don’t know how permanent it will be. But for now, we do know that Lodi High School is using this for the rest of the year and potentially years after that.