WHBHS students and faculty have mixed reactions to the NYS cell phone ban which began in September. Some think it’s unfair, some think it helps them focus, and some just outright hate it.
According to the new law, students must be off their devices “bell to bell.” Spanish teacher Mrs. Sedano feels it was long overdue. She said, “I love it. I think it’s the best thing ever and it should’ve happened a long time ago.”
Junior Nic Simone agrees with Mrs. Sedano, saying, “I think overall it’s good for the whole school. Personally I can pay more attention in class now because I have no distractions.”
However, the strict policy of no phones, ever, from 7:30-2:16 seems unreasonable to some students like junior Ellie Mett. She felt during free periods, like lunch, or in between classes, the phone should be allowed. In classes, however, she understands the ban. “It is disrespectful to teachers,” she said.
Substitute Mr. Labbe feels the rule is essential. He said, “Students get distracted too easily. The phones were preventing learning.”
Although the benefits have been obvious – more face-to-face communication, more focus, and more energy amongst students – there are still those who absolutely hate the ban. Junior Blake Gilks said “Overall I do not like the cell phone ban because I feel disconnected from the outside world and feeling uneasy if there’s an emergency I won’t be able to contact any trusted adults or loved ones.”
The bottom line is the phone ban is here to stay. The best thing that students can do is embrace it, learn to adapt, and maybe even find some good in it.
