A new law in Ohio is in effect which states that students should be limited to phone use during school hours. According to the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, the purpose of a new statewide phone policy is “To support school environments in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instructions, the Board of Education of Lowellville has determined the use of cell phones by students should be limited during school hours.”
According to the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, “Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools negatively affects student performance and mental health. Cell phones distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in smaller learning gains and lower test scores. Increased cell phone use has led to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in children.”
Mrs. Parry, our school principal, thinks it was a great idea for Ohio to make this policy. She said, “I think it is great, kids need a break from their phones, not have any distractions, and focus on school and school work in general.”
Mrs. Parry explains how the policy was placed. She said, “Our County Education Service Center took a survey of other schools in the county and we talked to other administrators about what is necessary for our school because the school is different from others.”
Mrs. Parry hopes this new policy will help the students focus on their school work more and help them use their brains more throughout the day.
I asked Mrs. Parry if our school’s phone policy is any different from schools in the county. She said, “Some schools don’t allow access at all, our high school students should have time during lunch to contact their family.”
Mrs. Parry doesn’t see any cons in these new rules as of now and she thinks that it would’ve been more difficult without Chromebooks. Although some students are not happy about not being able to use their phones during study hall, Mrs. Parry seems optimistic about this change. “I think it is something they will have to get used to. They aren’t too comfortable with that right now so I hope it helps them realize that they can use their study hall more effectively.”
I asked some freshman students and staff members how they felt about the policy. Dominic Moracco said, “I do not like the new policy.”
Daniel Huff said, “I feel like it’s kind of weird because it doesn’t make sense why we don’t have phones in study hall.”
Nick Likens said, “I don’t like not being able to be on my phone during study hall and homeroom, because most of the time I have my work done, but in all the other classes I am fine with having to put my phone away.”
Ava Boehlke said,” I feel like it’s good and bad at the same time. I want to be able to have it during study hall because when I have my work done I want to text my mom, but I do like having it at lunch.”
Paola Andino said, “ I don’t like it because I can’t do anything. I can’t enjoy my free time, and sometimes I can’t communicate with my parents.”
Danika Dubos said, “ I don’t think it is smart because I want to have it in my free periods.”
Jayden Gibbons said, “I dislike it because if we have an emergency and I’m in the bathroom then I won’t be able to communicate with anyone.”
On the other hand, study hall teacher Mr. Ballone thinks this is a great change. He said, “I love the phone policy because it helps the students focus on their work.”
Regardless of students’ opinions, the policy isn’t going anywhere, it will take students time to adapt but in the end, I know it is a good change because it will help students improve their grades rather than focusing on their phones all day.
