By Jacqueline Lu | Posted October 10, 2024
At Montgomery High School (MHS), cell phone use in class is only permitted at the teacher’s discretion. There is no outright ban, however. The phone regulation policies vary from teacher to teacher, with some requiring students to store their phones in designated caddies, while others even allowing phones to remain on desks. Many students think that this is the best option.
A phone caddy in a Spanish classroom at Montgomery High School.
A member of the MHS Class of 2026 says, “Students should be allowed to use their phones in ways that facilitate learning, such as taking pictures of class notes, researching information, or for other educational purposes.” However, she also noted the importance of minimizing disruptions, agreeing that phones should be kept on silent.
On the other hand, some students advocate for a complete ban on phones in the classroom. Rishika Vulta, a student in the MHS Class of 2025, expressed concern about the potential for distractions, stating, “phones should be banned in class to ensure that students make the most productive use of their time.” She adds that phones “reduce the time students spend socializing with their peers in person” and can trap them in a digital world, potentially leading to “mental health issues.”
Jacqueline Lu
In an informal discussion with MHS Principal Heather Pino-Beattie, the perspective was offered that high school students need to develop responsible technology habits. Given that students are growing up in a world where mobile devices are ubiquitous, Mrs. Pino- Beattie argued, they should be taught to manage potential distractions effectively. Additionally, she is watching schools across the nation with curiosity, as some high schools are indeed banning cell phone use during the school day.
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At the Lower Middle School, which contains the 5th and 6th grades, the policy is notably stricter. Cell phone use is prohibited throughout the entire school day, a measure intended to “maintain academic engagement.” Mrs. Pino-Beattie notes that middle school students generally have less need for phones during school hours, and only ever needing it when they stay after school.
As phones become an integral part of daily life, especially for high school students, the debate over appropriate use in educational settings continues to evolve. Rather than aiming for the unrealistic goal of completely banning phones, efforts should focus on teaching students how to use their devices responsibly. In classrooms where teachers determine that phones do not contribute to the learning experience, the implementation of phone caddies may offer an effective solution to help students remain focused and attentive.
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