No Phones, No Problem?

By Imajin Woodson

Before Pueblo County High School students returned from winter break, a new district-wide, “No Phone Policy” was announced via emails and on social media, making an abrupt change throughout classes. Making teachers pleased and students disappointed.
 
The policy states, “Students in grades 9 – 12 are prohibited from using personal electronic devices during instructional time. Instructional time includes the entire period of a scheduled class and other times when students are directed to report to and participate in any instructional activity.” 

Multiple teachers in PCHS have had many issues with students being on their phones during class time. Science teacher Mrs. Gribble says, “I think it is a good policy to have in place so cell phones are not disrupting learning in the classroom.” Some teachers have never had an issue with phones because they own phone caddies in the back of the classroom until class is over. 
A great deal of good feedback comes from teachers but what about the students? Jackie Knox of sophomore year says, “I think the policy is dumb. I don’t like getting yelled at for having my phone in the hall and I honestly never even put my phone away.”  Currently, more than half of US teens spend more than 7 hours a day using their phones, and the majority of that time is spent during school. Although having a phone out is prohibited, some students still disregard the policy and keep using their phones during class hours. 

The only question we are left with is: Will this phone policy stay strict for the rest of the year, or will teachers soon give up after multiple students continue to rebel?