With the rise of generative AI and new technology, students have become addicted to their phones. They have also become distracted and disconnected from the world around them.
This year, the Kinkiad School implemented new rules regarding phones in the classroom. All students’ phones must be put in phone sleeves that are hung up on classroom or hallway walls.
This policy was put in place to ensure that students are not distracted in class by the buzzing of their phones and to encourage students to be more social and talkative with their peers.
“I would probably be tempted to check my phone a few times during class if we were allowed to use our phones, so I think it helps me to be less distracted,” said freshman Helen Ren, a new student at Kinkaid.
Since students spend their time participating in extracurricular activities, some students don’t feel affected by the policy.
“I rarely use my phone often unless I absolutely have to, so the policy hasn’t affected me much,” junior Audrey Koo said.
Other students who are accustomed to spending many hours on their phones, have a different experience. Even though getting rid of the usage of phones during class was to aid in learning, some students believe that it actually hinders learning.
“Before the phone policy, I would use my phone to aid my learning in classes whenever I couldn’t get my computer or if it was easier to use my phone, like taking pictures of note slides,” Molly Jane Dunn, a sophomore, said. “I feel like it is necessary for the middle schoolers to have limits on their phone usage, but I don’t believe it is necessary for upper schoolers.”
Students also have ideas as to improve the new phone policy for upcoming years to help their education.
“I would probably modify the smartwatch/airpod rule and let the teacher decide if students can use their phone,” Ren said.
Feedback is very important when new policies are put in place and can be helpful in gaining feedback from students to see if the policy is too strict or too lenient.
“I think that students should have a box where they can compliment and critique the new phone policy,” Koo said.
Over time, students should become more accepting of the new phone policy as distractions during class will decrease dramatically.
