Is it right to ban phones in high schools? Well, I gathered some different opinions on this topic,and came up with the answer.
Phones can lead to many distractions. Social media, for example, is a major problem, both mentally and physically.
Mentally, it can keep your mind thinking about something you saw earlier on your phone, maybe a post from your favorite sports team, a funny reel that your friend sent you or an important text from your family.
Physically, having a phone right next to you, can distract you and cause you to look away from your work, and instead look at your phone, probably wasting time scrolling through useless information on social media that you’ll forget after a few minutes.
On the other hand, phones also have many benefits.
Many students say that having their phone on them is a major relief, as it can help with communication.
Maddie Groves ‘29 said, “Phones can help us get in touch with our parents, in case of a medical emergency.”
Other than with emergencies, phones also help a lot with deciding after school schedules with parents, especially for younger students at our school who have yet to get their licenses.
Yashika Kalagara ‘28 also expressed that, “Being an athlete, I find it very helpful having my phone at school as it helps me know if any changes have been made to practice and game schedules”.
So, when should phones be allowed at school?
I think that our school’s phone rules are mostly perfect, given that they allow phones during Activities and lunch, but some students want to have some more free phone time.
Francesco Rugna ‘26 wishes for phones to be allowed during free periods and Tutorial, since he doesn’t always have work to do, and he would like to be on his phone.”
To conclude, is it right to ban phones in school? No, but they should only be allowed in a non-educational environment like class. There is though an appropriate time for phones to be allowed like Activities, lunches and possibly free periods, and possibly Tutorial in the future.
Image courtesy of Martina Rugna ’28.
