Janinaba Jah
Students socializing at lunch
The JCPS phone policy was approved at the end of the 24-25 school year. This year, JCPS has begun rolling out the policy, sparking mixed opinions among both students and staff.
Atherton’s policy requires students to keep their phones put away at all times from 7:30-2:10. Teachers and staff are permitted to confiscate devices if they are visible, no matter what’s being done with said device.
For many students, the change has been frustrating. Shaun Baines (12) doesn’t like the policy at all.
“Why can’t we have our phones out, and do our work at the same time?” Baines asked. Baines believes students should at least be able to use their phones at lunch, or classes that aren’t as important like gym.
Lilli Yarmuth (11) believes the phone policy is bad because it limits her from using her phone for certain activities. “I don’t like it because when I need my phone for school related activities in class, I can’t get it out.” Yarmuth also wishes she could talk to her friends in her free time during school.
Some students admit that the phone policy has limited distractions.
“Now that school has started, I’ve gotten used to it,” said Macie Starnes (12). “Honestly, I’m fine without my phone, and I think in today’s day and age everyone’s addicted to their phones and technology seems like it’s taking over.” However, Macie also believes, “it’s hard to not have my phone 24/7 because sometimes, even with school work, I need it.”
For most of the staff, they had mostly some of the same opinions.
“The phone policy has made me so happy that I don’t have to repeatedly tell kids to put their phones away, and they pay attention. It’s amazing.” said math teacher Vanessa Bowden.
“I think that it is very positive. Students are much more engaged, they are socializing with each other and not spending all their time on the phone during the day,” said librarian Susan Gasaway.
When both Gasaway and Bowden were asked if there was any way we could improve the policy, they said no, it’s going pretty well.
Administrators maintain that the policy is made to limit distractions and promote learning. Whether students and staff like it or not, the policy is here to stay.