There’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching your teacher dive into their second monologue of the class while you sneak a glance at your phone, maybe to watch a couple of TikToks or text your friends back. Unfortunately, LAUSD is determined to put an end to this sacred experience. In an effort to improve education, the district has implemented a ban on student cell phone use during school hours. The goal? To create an environment that allows for better focus encourages social interaction, and minimizes the mental health horrors associated with excessive phone and social media use. While these objectives seem reasonable, the question remains: is this the best solution or merely a quick fix for a larger issue?
I agree that this may be helpful in some ways, but if we’re banning cell phones to prevent distractions, should we ban doodling in notebooks or staring blankly out the window? On the other hand, maybe the ban will help students finally learn how to talk to one another face-to-face. Either way, this policy has sparked some serious debates, so here’s a look at the pros and cons of the phone ban.
Pros:
Improved Focus: Without vibrating phones, glowing screens, or the tempting lure of notifications, students might actually focus in class. Without the distractions, there’s a better shot at concentrating on the class, instead of the latest TikTok trend.
Enhanced Productivity: When phones aren’t an option, students might do their classwork and participate in discussions. This could lead to higher grades, or at least fewer incidents of the teacher confiscating someone’s phone mid-lecture.
Better Social Interaction: Without phones helping students socialize, students are more likely to have more real conversations, actually having to talk to each other. In hand, this would help improve their social skills and create deeper connections.
Reduced Cyberbullying: No phones = less online drama. Taking phones out of the equation during school hours could cut down on in-the-moment drama like group chat gossiping or posting that photo of someone mid-sneeze. Sure, cyberbullying doesn’t just magically vanish after school hours, but this could reduce some of the negativity students face during the day, giving them a break.
Health Benefits: Spending less time glued to a screen might save students from developing chronic “scrolling thumb” or permanent hunches. Banning phones during school hours might reduce some daytime screen time, but it will not suddenly cure sleep deprivation or TikTok addiction. That being said, a few hours of phone-free existence might spare them some eye strain and allow their brains a break from social media consumption.
Cons:
Limited Access to Information: Sometimes, phones are just plain useful. Whether it’s Googling the capital of Mongolia, or checking the calculator app, banning phones cuts off a quick source of information. Sure, we’ve got Chromebooks, but what about those moments when your phone is the easiest option?
Safety Concerns: Emergencies don’t wait for the bell to ring. Whether it’s a fire, an earthquake, or you’re throwing up in the downstairs green building bathroom, students rely on phones to stay connected with each other, their parents, and to stay informed. Plus, how are you supposed to secretly let your parents know you forgot your lunch, homework, or Chromebook without secretly texting them under your desk?
Resistance and Enforcement Challenges: Let’s be real, teens are experts at breaking rules. Whether it’s putting a second phone in your Yondr pouch, breaking open the pouch, or coming up with clever excuses, enforcing this ban will not be easy.
Loss of Educational Tools: Phones aren’t all bad. They come with helpful learning apps and organizational tools, although most of them are also on our Chromebooks, what’s the fun in that?
Less Instagram Reels: The most tragic loss of all, no more dopamine hits from scrolling Instagram during class. Without a stream of memes and relatable posts, how will students survive in real life?
The phone ban has its perks, but let’s be real: it’s also a pain. Phones are lifesavers for an abundance of things. Plus, enforcing the phone ban will take time, as well as resources. So, beneficial? Sure. Annoying? Absolutely. Ultimately, whether you think it’s worth the inconvenience is up to you.
