The state of Massachusetts may be passing a law prohibiting phone usage during the school day in all public schools. This law aims to prevent distractions during the school day and keep students focused on learning. They will do this by requiring schools to create some method of storing phones during the day, whether it’s phone pouches, lockers or any other method, there must be some way to keep students away from their phones. This law might be passed due to a rise in addiction to phones among students, and how that is affecting their mental health, social skills and academic focus.
“Massachusetts has a proud history of supporting and uplifting K-12 public education for our residents, but a device small enough to fit in a pocket presents a profound challenge to ensuring student success. That’s why I charged the Senate in May of this year to explore ways to make our schools cell phone free,” said Senate President Karen Spilka in a press release from the state senate.
“This impactful legislation will make many beneficial and lasting improvements in the quality of our public school education. Countless studies have shown the detrimental and distracting effects of cell phone usage both in the classroom, and for the entire school day,” expressed Senator Michael J. Rodrigues in a press release from the senate.
This law, while seeming good on the surface, is very controversial among BHS students.
“Considering the large amount of school shootings in America, removing students’ access to their phone is a detriment to student safety across Massachusetts and if this continues, America as a whole. Not only that, but removing every students’ access to their phones at all during the school day is punishing the students who use their phones correctly and when they are allowed to, even though they did nothing wrong,” said BHS sophomore Rishik Renganathan.
While certain students feel this law is a safety hazard, other students feel it is good for school life and student mental health.
“I feel it would be good if people could stop focusing on their phones and spend time with their friends and people around them, at lunch for example,” stated BHS sophomore Landon Quirk.
BHS students aren’t the only ones divided on this law being passed.
“In this day and age it is imperative that kids keep their phones on them at all times in the chance that there is an emergency at the school that puts the students’ safety at risk. Phones should be off tables while class is in session and only used during free time or when it is absolutely necessary to contact authorities or family if there is ever a safety issue, and students should not be penalized for using them if they feel unsafe,” stated Massachusetts resident and parent Christina Rehm.
“I support the cell phone ban. Not just as a teacher but as a parent of children who will one day likely have a cell phone. Young people need to be truly present and truly focused when they are in school and not distracted by their phone. It would be nice to see students talking with each other and carry on conversations instead of being sucked in by their phones,” expressed BHS teacher and parent Mr. Ritland.
This law doesn’t just affect students and their parents, but school faculty as well.
“I think the law is great, and forcing students to focus on the things around them instead of constantly paying attention to their phones will be a good thing for our students,” said BHS teacher Mrs. Gorman.
Other teachers at BHS are much more divided on the matter, believing there are more clear pros and cons to this ban.
“I am against the idea because having phones in school during lunch and free periods has made drama and fighting less common because students are more distracted with their phones, and there are times when something bad is happening and there is an emergency where students might need their phones. As long as they are not using them in class, I believe students should have phones in school,” stated BHS teacher Mrs. Mora.
