Has the phone policy worked? Here's what student's think.

  “As a general rule, District students should not use cell phones or wearable devices in classrooms unless permitted by a school staff member, or permitted by this Policy expressly. Each school shall create their own protocols that set rules for student use of cell phones and wearable devices”

To justify to students and parents regarding the mission of the phone policy, local governments and school promise an increase in educational performance and social performance. However, so far this school year, students can't say the promise has paid off.

"I think I'm the same socially, [the phone policy] didn't increase my socialness, when you're in class you're technically not supposed to be talking either way," said Gabriel Lieb-Davis, a senior at E&S.

Along with the logical reasons on why the policy isn't effective, the literal reasons are even stronger. Putting the phone down doesn't help you become better at talking to people.

“I don’t think being on your phone makes a difference when it comes to how social you are. You can just decide to not talk to someone even when you’re not on your phone,” said Kimanie Lunan, a senior at E&S.

While schools are worried about educational and social ability, students are more concerned over the safety implications behind the policy. 

“I feel like there are some emergencies that could happen in school - like what if there’s an actual fire? Shelter-in-place, you know so many things can happen that I feel like a phone is needed,” said Samir Haire, a senior at E&S.

Not only do students believe that this is not a good idea, they don't even believe it to be necessary as it doesn't change their daily routine in schools. 

"It doesn't change anything. If you understand the material, you understand the material, if you don't, you don't. Phone's don't dictate that," said Kimanie Lunan, a senior at E&S.