GWMS New Phone Policy

Reporter: Ali Ashgar Zariwala

Editor: Ryan Chang

Dr. Kashmanian has implemented a ban on phones which some students are seeing as harsh, unreasonable, and hindering their ability to learn.

Some 7th grade students think that the ban should only be required upon students who are caught using the phone in the bathroom.

A 7th-grade Godwin student named Jaeyoung Sun is certain that the ban is a bad thing and will leave kids who only use their phone maybe once to have big consequences. 

“I think that the phone ban is absolutely ridiculous. Taking away the phones inclines students to leave their phones in their locker but in an emergency, they wouldn’t have it which would be bad. Instead, they should start cracking down on phones in the bathroom.” 

It also stops the ability to use the phone to take pictures or record things at school which makes school projects harder, Jaeyoung continues. 

“My ability to learn is hindered by the bans and it puts a negative impact on school projects which I need to take pictures or record something for. Plus, the bans don’t appear to stop the issue.”

However, this is not the only thing, some students see the ban as a good thing. Jordan Rienzi, another Godwin 7th grader shares his opinions.

“I was surprised when I saw the email but I didn’t care because I always kept my phone in my locker anyway.. I think it is very good that they are trying to do something about it and in my opinion, it is very effective in stopping them. Overall I’d say it doesn’t have a negative effect but an overall positive one. ”

A school administrator, Timothy Monahan, reveals that the bans were created for anyone using the phone because using the phone and being on a screen all day could have negative health effects. He also likes the bans and was the one to implement them. 

“I like the rules. [While] students having cell phones for before/after school may be a part of modern life, I don't accept the idea that students should have a phone on them all day during school. It's not healthy, it's not safe, and it's a major distraction from the education of all.”

With this new ban, students and administrators have mixed opinions and feel it affects school in a very major way going forward.