As BHS students returned to school in August, they experienced a new way of classroom management and organization: keeping cell phones out of reach. The new policy intends to lessen distractions and improve focus in the classroom. A holder for students' personal devices (also known as phone jail or the phone spa) is up in almost every BHS classroom, often with assigned spots.
Phone usage in the classroom has been widely debated, in and out of Bow High School. New schoolwide expectations and policies have created many viewpoints, differing from student to student.
“I believe it’s been helpful in many cases to keep kids on track. I personally get easily distracted by my phone if it’s allowed to be on my table. I believe higher classes [like APs and upper math classes] don’t need to use the pockets as long as the phones stay in backpacks. I think it’s helpful, especially for the younger grades, to have the pockets as a physical removal from their phone, since they may have less self-control when it comes to keeping in their backpack,” said Anabelle Cattabriga. However, others felt differently.
“I believe cell phones can be used in positive ways inside the classroom; it takes away the resources some students use,” stated Olivia St. Onge.
I’ve personally noticed the enforcement varies from class to class. In my lower-level courses, often with underclassmen, the teacher fully applies the policy in the classroom and prevents phone usage unless a student is given specific permission. In my higher-level AP classes with upperclassmen, the teachers are much more lenient and simply ask the students to keep their phones in their backpacks. Due to the considerably rigorous course pace, students are more likely to pay attention and keep their phones out of sight. While a few students may still use their phones in those classes, it only comes to their detriment in the long run. If someone often uses their phone in class and does not perform well on assessments, it is their fault.
Staff and faculty also have different viewpoints on cell phone usage in the classroom. Some teachers strongly believe in the policy and enjoy the minimized distractions.
“All in all, I like the new cell phone procedures. The procedures were examined by multiple educators in the building, and it wasn't written with a mentality of ‘one size fits all.’ There is flexibility in what cell phone procedures make the most sense for the specific students and educators in the classroom. We all need breaks from media; the new cell phone procedures allow for these breaks,” said Ms. Barth. Other educators view the cell phone policy differently.