Many students and teachers have heard rumors of a possible phone ban across all Kansan schools. As of this month, Governor Laura Kelly has approved of a total ban across not just phones, but also smart watches, ipad, and headphones. Our school district has attempted to implement stricter phone rules in order to prioritize student learning over doom scrolling in class. And as a student, obviously my opinion is going to most likely side with no phone ban, but it’s really for reasons other than going back and forth between playlists, or checking up on my instagram feed. I believe that giving freedom to students when it comes to certain areas can end up building skills that they will use in the workforce, college, or just generally in life. Now, before I list my reasons, I would like to say I see why there is a phone policy being implemented. I can’t deny the fact that many students simply don’t have the self control necessary to have their phone in class, mainly because I have been there (who hasn’t?). Everyone falls for it. When I have an assignment due tomorrow, I’m at least 55% likely to wait to do it tomorrow. This is a real struggle, but I think every generation has fallen for something similar to our problems. I cannot write this opinion to be completely biased knowing that there’s a reason for this phone ban. I can acknowledge that this phone ban will be beneficial for some students. Although it will be a difficult transition, I know it’s the school board’s job to prioritize learning over smartphones. However, as a student I can say this will be something hard to implement. Firstly, I use my phone throughout the day as a learning tool, and no I’m not just saying that for funsies. My phone is a huge convenience to me. It acts as a calculator, a translator, and an extra tab. Obviously, I can access these things on my ipad, but there are so many instances where I actually used my phone to get work done in a much more efficient way compared to using my ipad. The reason I believe aligns with the majority of the student body is music. Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, or even Youtube music, I think there is at least 75% of the school that listens to music at least once throughout the day. Music has truly changed my ability to completely lock in. Sometimes, it’s hard to choose a song to listen to, however music truly helps me do my work. It makes it feel less like a “task”, and more like an “activity”. And I know I’m not the only one. Along with that, my phone acts as a communication device. I think this is so important for several reasons. One, is as I mentioned earlier. It is so convenient to be able to text my parents during class. I can ask about appointments, dismissals, etc. My coaches have the ability to post information throughout the day about various events and times, and they know I will see it. As I stated earlier, I can admit that devices can act as a distraction. However, I think a phone ban will serve more bad than good overall. This also serves with how students’ brains are wired. What is one of the most common forms of punishment? Parents taking their teens’ phones away. And honestly, I’m kind of scared that’s how this bell-to-bell ban is going to come off. I really think there are different alternatives than a total electronic ban. This feels especially important as highschoolers are preparing to enter adulthood. I am almost eight months away from being a legal adult. I think this phone ban should aim to teach students to manage their phone time, rather than create a total restriction on all electronic devices. While these are all things that may be seen as “minor inconveniences” to students when phones are taken, I think it will cause a larger impact than anticipated.
