Students were met with a major change when they walked into school after winter break. 

Cell phones, which had previously been allowed during non-instructional time, are no longer allowed anywhere in the building during the school day. 

The rule, which requires students to keep phones put away throughout the school day, was implemented to comply with state law effective Jan. 1  banning phones as well as tablets, wireless headphones, smartwatches and other similar devices. 

The no-phones policy has sparked mixed reactions among students, with some appreciating the increased focus while others are unhappy about the loss of freedom and communication.

While administrators say the policy is meant to reduce distractions and improve learning, students have varying opinions on whether it has been effective or fair.

Senior Peter Adobamen, who supports the rule overall, said he believes it helps students focus better in class.

“I feel like it’s good in general because it allows you to focus in class,” he said. “Nothing is distracting you.”

However, Adobamen admitted the policy can be challenging during free periods.

“I have two free periods, and it’s hard because I have nothing to do,” he said. “That’s probably the biggest problem.”

Other students feel the rule has helped with social interaction. Senior Noah Beilstein said that without phones, students are interacting more face-to-face.

“It’s annoying, but it’s helpful,” Beilstein said. “Me and my friends are playing more games and being more social.”

Beilstein added that following the rule has not been difficult for him, but he does not believe it has significantly improved focus in class, since phones were already restricted in class.

“We already got in trouble for being on our phones in class before,” he said.

Some students, however, strongly disagree with the policy. Senior CJ Payton feels the rule has caused more problems than benefits.

“I feel that this rule is not good because it causes communication problems,” Payton said.

Payton explained that he receives many messages throughout the day and finds it difficult not being able to check his phone.

“It’s been hard for me because I get lots of texts,” he said. “I just want to check my phone.”

Payton also believes the rule is unfair because it was implemented in the middle of the school year.

“It’s not fair at all for students,” he said. “It was added during the middle of the year.”

Sophomore Essien Williams  also expressed frustration with the policy.

“I [don’t feel too] bad about it, but at the same time they are taking away our freedom,” Willams  said. “It’s a distraction, but we already weren’t allowed to use our phones in class.”

Willams argued that students should have had a say in the decision.

“We really don’t have a say in it,” he said. “I don’t think it’s fair at all.”

Despite the criticism, some students noted positive side effects, such as increased social interaction. Freshman Yoni Gilad said the rule has encouraged students to talk more with one another.

“I think it changed how we interact,” Gilad said. “[I am now] talking with friends more and making new connections with people.”

However, Gilad pointed out a major concern for many families: communication with parents.

“The biggest challenge is not being able to communicate with parents or people you need,” he said.

He also believes the rule should apply to adults in the building as well.

“It’s not very fair because teachers get to still use their phones,” he said.

Senior Tristan Brown, who said he did not previously use his phone much during school anyway, felt mostly unaffected by the rule.

“I don’t really have an opinion,” Brown said. “It makes the school day feel a little longer, but nothing really changed for me.”

Brown  did note benefits, including improved attention in class and increased social interaction among students.

“More people are paying attention in class,” he said.

Many students feel that the ban on use in class is reasonable, but that banning during non-instructional time goes too far.

“If they asked for student input, I’d say let us use our phones during lunch,” Brown  said.

Adobamen agreed that limited phone access should be allowed during non-instructional time.

“Maybe in the library or during free periods,” he said.

Observations around the school show fewer students on phones in hallways and more students talking in groups during lunch. Some students are playing card games or talking face-to-face instead of scrolling on screens. 

At the same time, students with free periods often appear bored or unsure how to pass the time without their phones. For now, students continue to adapt to a school day without phones, some willingly and others reluctantly.