Holding the screens captive

MCPS students are being robbed of their right to use their cellphones during appropriate school hours. From the first bell at 7:45 am to the final dismissal at 2:30 pm, students across Maryland are now required to keep their cell phones out of sight and in their bags, even during class transitions and lunch, under a new policy that's reshaping the school day.

The MCPS board has implemented a new phone policy that started at the beginning of the school year, which represents a major shift from the previous phone policy that allowed us to use our phones during transitions and lunch. According to school administrators, the policy aims to reduce distractions, improve student focus, and encourage more face-to-face social interaction. While many teachers praised the change, claiming it has improved the classroom, many students say the restrictions are unnecessary, especially since phones are off limits during free time. The policy impacts ALL schools from elementary to high schools in the state, and consequences can range from a simple warning to confiscation and a parent meeting. School officials will review the policy's effectiveness, but for now, we students must adjust to life without our phones for the whole school day and instead have face-to-face interactions. 

We, as students, have interviewed our administrator, Mr. Dunn from Wheaton High School, about his thoughts on the new school policy that we're implementing regarding the usage of cellphones during school hours. Here's what he had to say: “The cellphone, for all of its benefits, also creates a distraction to the general learning environment that we really don't want to have. So the state has decided to implement this law, so we now have to align ourselves with this state law.” In addition, Mr. Dunn also has his own worries about the new policy. As he explains, “Even me as an adult, I know what it’s like to sit in a meeting and have my phone ping or go off. I’m thinking, is it my kid, is it my wife? I’m thinking about all these things.”

Adding on to his previous claim, he also stated that students' safety also plays a big role in why the new phone policy has been implemented. “Phones are used as communication devices; many of us are using them for good things, but we also have people who are using them to coordinate other activities in buildings, whether it's a meet-up somewhere, whether it's to inflict harm on somebody, whether it’s to bully or harass where they're taking information and saying hurtful things about other kids.” In general, Mr. Dunn claims that some would use their phones for good, such as learning equipment, while others would not so much.   

Now that we interviewed an administrator, we want to hear what a student has to say about the phone policy. We decided to interview a great friend of ours, Dev Horris ‘27, who had a very emotional statement to say. “It’s really hard not being able to check my phone even during lunch,” he said. “I understand that the school wants us to focus, but sometimes I just want to text my family, listen to music, or just text a friend to meet up somewhere during lunch.” As students ourselves, we know how annoying it can be not being able to pull out our phones even just to send someone a quick text. Additionally, Dev added, “It just feels so weird and awkward not being able to even listen to my own music during independent work time.”

As students and staff settle into the new routine, opinions and views about the phone policy remain divided. Some hope the policy will lead to better focus and stronger in-person interactions/connections, while others wait to see if the changes or exceptions will be made or reverted. One thing is certain: for now, students will navigate their everyday school routine without the presence of their phones, making this year completely different from previous years.

Copy edited by Walusha Fernandes