Opinion

Although the idea of AirPod use during school might be controversial, student opinions prove the idea that there are way more pros than cons regarding this topic. For example, It's a scientific fact that listening to music can help reduce anxiety. And since over 30 percent of high schoolers struggle with anxiety, AirPods could really improve student morale throughout the school day(s). 

“I feel like when I don’t have music playing I can’t focus because I’m just sitting in silence and then I don’t get any work done because it's so boring,” Jennifer Keane, BHS Freshman, said. 

For some students, including Jennifer, having one AirPod in their ear throughout the day can really improve their overall focus, productivity, and even memorization. But the use of AirPods have more impact than just increased learning ability, 

“I literally wouldn’t come to school without my Airpods,” said Jennifer. 

So not only do the use of AirPods help with anxiety, and attentiveness, it also helps some students with the motivation to attend school. Because oftentimes after school students have an extracurricular activity, then have homework to do, and then have to eat dinner and get ready for bed, etc. which is really exhausting to do day after day.

However, another BHS Freshman had a different take on this topic.

“I mean yeah they’re useful, but also I get why some teachers don’t like AirPods. Just because teachers sometimes can feel like students aren’t listening,” Vivianna Pelayo, BHS Freshman, said. 

And yes, sometimes the use of AirPods while instructions are being given can be considered rude, or it can seem like someone’s not listening, but the reasons AirPods are being used almost always don’t have anything to do with that.

“Sometimes I use my AirPods in school when I’m stressed about something, so for me I’m not using them to not pay attention or anything,” Vivianna said. 

This proves the fact that students aren’t deliberately trying to block out teachers, it actually is students trying to do what’s best for them at the moment. And if schools really care about students' mental health and learning ability, they should allow students to have one AirPod in their ear throughout the school day.

So overall, the use of AirPods throughout the day positively impacts students' daily life at BHS.