The new policies on smartphones and other internet-enabled devices have caused some shifts at F-M High School. The real question is, could this change be for the better?
New York State has implemented a bell-to-bell ban on all internet-capable devices not issued by the school, including smartphones, AirPods, and personal computers, effective for all public schools across the state. As a result, F-M has adapted their device policy to comply.
In previous years, students were allowed to use personal computers during school, listen to music or assignments using AirPods with a teacher’s approval, and use their phones during passing periods, wellness break, and free periods. Now, these privileges are banned. This has been an adjustment for both students and parents, as students adjust to being phone-free and parents figure out alternative ways to reach their child while at school.
The choice to implement this policy, however, was not made of a desire to irritate students, as some may complain. In fact, numerous studies show that cell phones are detrimental to learning. A study featured by the National Institute of Health website shows that in an experiment, students whose phones were removed from them comprehended the material better and even had reduced anxiety.
It is clear science backs this up, but what do students and teachers think? Personally, I feel that since the ban has been put in place, people have been interacting more in the hallways and passing periods. I didn’t notice a clear detriment academically from cell phones, but it likely did exist, especially in the productivity of study halls. However, the ban has caused some issues and detrimental effects to some classes. Art classes, for example, now cannot listen to music on internet-capable devices, including school Chromebooks, or access first-person reference pictures easily, and journalism classes can no longer record interviews with ease.
In my opinion, the best option for a state policy is banned devices except with explicit permission from a teacher. However, unless the state adjusts, F-M must comply with their guidelines. We will see how that unfolds in the coming years.
What do you, as a student, teacher, or parent, think of this policy? Go to the survey link below and offer your anonymous feedback. The results will be updated to the article.
