In an effort to reduce classroom distractions, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek enacted a statewide phone policy on Jan. 1, prohibiting student phone use throughout the school day.
The previous cell phone policy at Summit, which prompted students to place their devices in “caddies” during the class period, limited access to phones while class was in session but allowed students to use them during passing periods and lunch. Under the new policy, students are required to keep phones off and out of sight throughout the entire school day.
As it has only been a month since the phone ban’s debut, drastic changes in school culture are yet to be seen. However, administrators and students have noticed some early effects.
Summit Assistant Principal Kristy Knoll noted that “kids staying on campus [for lunch] are talking to each other more, interacting more, more kids are leaving and going down to the gym to shoot hoops instead of just sitting on their phones.”
Students are finding similar benefits with their peers, adding more variety and activity in daily student discussions.
“I’m not sure it was the big deal it was made out to be. Personally, I think it’s beneficial,” said freshman Kloey Drewson, noting that she has seen greater social interaction within her friend group.
This improved communication between students is only one of the policy’s goals. A press release from the Governor’s Office explained that Gov. Kotek hoped the ban would make schools a place where “students find belonging, support, and the joy of learning something new.”
While this would be the best possible outcome of the ban, there are a few issues students and staff have encountered.
Reily Weisgerber, a senior at Summit, said that the previous rules seemed more fair to students, explaining that it doesn’t make sense to restrict cell phone use outside of the classroom.
“It’s annoying when I need to talk to friends or my parents during lunchtime or in passing about something important,” Weisgerber said.
According to Knoll, the policy is also making it easier and more tempting for students to sneak phones.
“Teachers say [the ban] is worse because most kids are keeping their phones in their pockets now, and they’re leaving to go to the bathroom far more to be on their phones,” Knoll said.
Greg Lampard, a Summit science teacher, has found that the phone ban is “promoting less adherence to the rules than before,” explaining that the ban seems to heighten students’ anxiety, as they are constantly aware of what is happening digitally. This dynamic, he said, ultimately makes it more enticing for students to sneak their phones out during class.
Lampard noted that teachers have the important job of “preparing you for the next steps in life,” one that is likely to include free access to technology. This has been a shared concern of the new phone policy, for students to be better prepared for a technology-filled future, they must learn how to be trusted now, treated as though they are responsible enough to yield such devices.
Though many students and administration feel there is room for improvement in the new policy, others believe it will lead to positive changes at Summit. Students, staff and Gov. Kotek are all seeking a positive educational experience. Will this phone ban help with that? Only time will tell. Though some believe it will inhibit the everyday, maybe, as Drewson said, “The policy won’t be too bad after all.”
