Facing the Phone Policy

By Maryaam Vashi | Staff Writer

September 25, 2024

For better or for worse, Ohio governor Mike DeWine has instituted a new law aiming to minimize cell phone use in Ohio’s schools. In the past, students were used to having their phones for the majority of the school day. However, this year—besides passing periods and lunch—their phones must be off or silent from the beginning of the first bell to the end of the day, and they must be kept in a backpack or locker. 

Compared to last year, phones are prohibited in class, study hall, advisory, and FLEX. Earbuds and watches are off limits as well if they are connected to the phone. 

“The students have been amazing with following the guidelines; we haven’t seen many [violations] at all,” Mr. Will Amburgey, AHS Assistant Principal, said. 

Despite the change for students, according to Amburgey, they have been very responsive and follow the new rules well. He believes “it’s only going to help kids and help them with their education.”

“I’m not so distracted by my phone or listening to music; I’m actually paying more attention in my classes,” Layla Walston (10), a student at Anderson, said. 

She feels that, though her focus has improved, communication is more difficult now. 

“It’s really hard to communicate with my parents or my family when I need to talk to them about something after school,” Walston said. Coordinating after-school activities and pickup times is harder for students to do, as the only time they are permitted to have phones is during passing periods and lunch. 

However, teachers have seen improvements in class participation and involvement.

“I feel like students are more engaged in their work, so they’re not rushing through everything to hurry up and get on their phone,” Ms. Bailey Schaaf, Biology and Physical Science teacher, said. 

“I’ve gotten a few AirPods, but somehow my students have been really receptive of [the policy]. We haven’t had any problems at all,” Schaaf said. Like Amburgey, Schaaf agrees that students have taken the change well and are already showing signs of benefit during class and advisory. 

Whether it will turn out to be beneficial or not, the phone rules are here to stay.