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In this article, Be will discuss the new cell phone policy at GPHS.
Phone Policy
Phone Policy
By: Be Bretko
By: Be Bretko
Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 25-09 on July 2, 2025. The order enforces a statewide ban on student cell phone use during instructional hours in all public K-12 schools. Banning phones in schools will negatively impact student success by increasing stress for both students and parents. In today's world, having access to our devices is essential for safety and peace of mind of both students and parents.
GPHS Student Engagement and communication
GPHS Student Engagement and communication
In the past few years, students at GPHS were instructed to download several essential apps for school, including Student Square, 5-Star, Canvas, and PowerSchool, all of which they installed on their smartphones. These tools are designed to facilitate education and communication, but now students find themselves restricted from using them during class and even during breaks. The Statesman Journal cites Swedish researchers who suggested there could be an effective alternative to cellphone bans: "By using smartphones constructively in education, schools can foster responsible usage habits, ensuring that students learn to leverage these digital devices effectively and safely as communication tools and information sources." At GPHS, class schedules vary every day and sometimes every week, making it challenging to keep track of which classes students have and when. Having access to the PowerSchool app has been a game-changer, allowing students to quickly check the schedules without having to memorize every detail. Unfortunately, this convenient access is now being limited, which creates unnecessary stress and confusion. Additionally, students are losing vital communication channels with their classmates. It is essential to know where to meet for lunch, whether someone has gone home early, or if club meetings and after-school activities have been canceled.
An anonymous junior at GPHS shared that her greatest concern for this school year is the fear of losing track of her friends amidst the hectic changes that often occur. She explained that the uncertainty of not being able to communicate effectively —especially if plans change unexpectedly—creates more anxiety for her than the challenging classes she is enrolled in. This sense of disconnection weighs heavily on her, highlighting the importance of friendships and communication. These interactions are key to our social engagement and overall school experience. While reducing phone usage during instructional time to maintain focus and productivity is necessary, it would be beneficial to allow students to use their phones during their own free time. This would greatly enhance their ability to communicate and collaborate, both academically and socially.
DISTRICT-censored websites
DISTRICT-censored websites
Teachers have long advocated for the internet as an invaluable educational tool in the classroom. They have demonstrated how to harness its vast resources for research, collaboration, and access to comprehensive information that can enhance our understanding of various subjects. However, it is disheartening that this essential tool, which many students have learned to navigate wisely and effectively, is now being restricted in a significant way. Many websites have been locked down on Chromebook browsers, and even the videos that students can find on YouTube are heavily restricted, making research difficult. Websites are blocked with Fortinet and GoGuardian to filter websites. These tools automatically block categories such as cyber threats, pornography, weapons, hate sites, and other inappropriate content. According to The Markup, "Schools routinely go far beyond that, keeping students from information they need to complete their assignments and sometimes blocking access to information about abortion, sex education, and even suicide prevention resources for LGBTQ+ teens." The decision to limit internet access may severely hinder our ability to engage meaningfully with course material, diminishing vital research opportunities and stifling creativity in our projects and studies. For instance, during class time, the restrictions on our computers make it nearly impossible to conduct high-level research necessary for advanced assignments, while our smartphones, previously a reliable source for accurate information, are being banned from use. Furthermore, not all students have access to the internet at home, and many rely on lunch periods and breaks to complete their assignments. This limitation on our ability to use phones during these crucial times makes it increasingly difficult for those students to perform adequately in their studies, leading to added stress and a sense of exclusion from the educational process.
inclusivity of learning needs
inclusivity of learning needs
Many students experience sensory overload, which can lead to intense and overwhelming reactions to various environmental stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces. This sensitivity can significantly affect their ability to focus, learn, and participate in class activities. Researchers at Cleveland Clinic estimate that about 1 to 3 out of every 20 people in the general U.S. population have sensory processing disorder. According to Amaze ABA Therapy, noise-cancelling headphones can significantly improve sensory regulation for children and adults with sensory processing disorders. Unfortunately, some students face barriers in obtaining a formal diagnosis from a healthcare professional. These barriers may include limited access to medical services, social stigma surrounding mental health issues, the challenging health care system, or personal circumstances that prevent them from seeking help. In school environments, not allowing students to wear Bluetooth headphones throughout the entire day could unintentionally create additional challenges for those with undiagnosed sensory sensitivities. Headphones can serve as a critical coping mechanism, helping to filter out distracting sounds and create a more manageable auditory environment. By providing students the option to use their personal headphones, schools can create a more inclusive atmosphere that acknowledges and accommodates individual sensory needs, ultimately supporting all students in their learning journeys.
Safety concerns
Safety concerns
The recent ban on cellphones in schools raises important concerns, especially considering that there has been little progress in implementing substantive laws aimed at improving school safety. Individuals can legally purchase firearms without stringent restrictions, yet regulations exist that prohibit students from texting their friends during lunch. This disparity highlights a significant issue in our approach to safety and communication. According to CNN, on Aug. 27, 2025, a shooter fired through the windows of a school church in Minneapolis. This is the 44th school shooting in the US this year. Had students had their phones during this event, then perhaps they could have learned about the other three shootings that had happened in Minneapolis that day and been able to protect themselves better. By prioritizing the restriction of personal communication over meaningful safety measures, we risk creating an environment that is not only less secure but also more isolating for students and terrifying for parents. According to Central Oregon Daily, Bend local J. Smith said, "I'm very much against it. Most people should [be]... Maybe the parent wants their kid to have an emergency number. Maybe the kid is disciplined enough to only use it in an emergency." In a situation where open communication is vital for reporting concerns, limiting the ability to connect with peers may contribute to a range of problems, including increased anxiety and a lack of support during critical moments. Effective safety policies should balance the need for communication with the imperative to protect students, ensuring that schools are safe spaces for learning and social interaction.
The policy is part of a growing trend across the country as schools seek to address technology’s impact on student engagement and well-being. The fact of the matter is that, while phones can harm learning, schools as a whole are not safe enough for students to not have their phones on them. Phones have the potential to be used as a valuable tool instead of a distraction and should be treated as such.
Sources:
Sources:
Anonymous Interview
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