Cell phones are a major part of life when it comes to students with much of the usage being spent on social media. The biggest social media platforms typically serve as a distraction for most students.
Cell phone policies have been implemented to discourage Woodland students from using their phones. The policy strictly prohibits the use of phones or any kind of device during a school day, with the exception of devices being used with administrative permission. The hope is to limit the use of cell phones for students and get more kids actively involved in learning without any distractions. Teachers take away phones until the end of class if someone is caught using one by using cubbies designated for phones only, so when class starts students do not have a device in their pockets. On top of that, earbuds and AirPods can only be used when given permission from a teacher because more kids are using them listening to music while not paying attention in class.
Senior Gianna Costanzo shares her thoughts on how students use phones and what she thinks of the cell phone policy limiting device use.
“I understand their thought process, but I think that the way that they are going about it is not really the best. [Administration is] yelling rather than telling us what they think should happen,” said Costanzo.
Staff members and teachers are constantly trying to get kids off their phones and although everything is not perfect when enforcing this rule, it is up to the students to decide whether or not they should be using their phones.
“If a person is on their phone during class that’s a personal choice; they are accepting the fact that they are not going to get the full lesson,” said Costanzo.
Nowadays, mobile devices are designed in favor of getting your attention and maintaining it for as long as possible. Students are engineered to keep checking their phones for hours on end since this addictive technology has existed.
While cell phones seem to be perceived as distracting to some administrators, others feel that there are also beneficial ways to use them in school.
James Amato, a Woodland teacher, has a different approach to how he thinks phones can be used to benefit students.
“Phones can be used as a powerful tool. One of the reasons why the rule has been implemented is so that teachers have a better opportunity to integrate the phone usage when they want to complement a lesson, instead of just having the phones all the time as a distraction,” said Amato.
Woodland students spend various amounts of time in and out of school using technology. Some desire checking their devices more often than others.
“My screen time is usually around four to five hours a day, and I’m not really on my phone as much as other people,” said Costanzo.
The best way to use a mobile device in school is to moderate how much time you spend and be considerate of when you decide to use it, especially during class. Policies are here for a reason to check in students who aren’t using them appropriately.
Region 16 Schools. “Parent/Student Handbook 2022 – 2023.” Region 16 CT, https://4.files.edl.io/a7c1/08/18/22/150427-96fd0c25-d800-4211-95c9-050225cab58b.pdf. Accessed 9 September 2022.
