With second semester under way, some teachers have made changes within their classrooms. While typically teachers make simple adjustments such as seating, some made new regulations regarding cell phones. 

     A common theme among some teachers is eliminating phones altogether, but these teachers go about it differently. Often, teachers have students put them in their backpacks until the end of class, but some have gone even further by implementing a cell phone box. Students put it in the box on their way into class and get it back as they leave class.

     The purpose of removing cell phones from classrooms is to limit distractions and allow students to focus on education. While teachers claim this is in students’ best interest, is it really? It’s restricting students of both their personal belongings but also of their freedom. 

     Teachers taking away phones makes students feel not mature enough to handle electronic devices. High school is meant to prepare kids for the future, so taking cell phones away creates a bigger problem of students not knowing how to use them responsibly. Students should be learning when and when not to use their phone, and students should not be treated like little kids by restricting them.

     Most teachers might assume that when a student is on their phone, they are doing something unproductive such as social media or entertainment. In reality, students could be checking Powerschool, taking a photo of a PowerPoint slide or notes a teacher is showing, submitting a picture of their work on Canvas or even checking in with family on a personal issue. Without cell phones, students are unable to do any of these things. 

     A cell phone box might help keep students focused, but phones could get stolen or damaged while teachers are teaching.

     Students like to listen to music while doing schoolwork. A study by Stanford Medicine showed that music helps the brain to focus because it engages the areas of the brain involved in concentration. With cell phone restrictions, students who use music to focus could find it harder to do their work and easier to space out.

     Instead of forcing students to stay focused and on task by restricting cell phones, teachers should look into alternative ways to keep students engaged in learning such as offering brain breaks or letting cell phones be used for music. Cell phone use in classrooms can be beneficial for both students and teachers, but restricting them isn’t helpful for anyone.