The Debate Over Cell Phone Bans at Schools.
Across the globe, a constant argument has been made about whether phones should be banned in schools.
Now many schools have taken matters into their own hands and have already banned all phones off campus. Broward County Public Schools have put matters into their own hands and already passed this rule. However, there are mixed feelings of this change from educators to families.
Many teachers believe that cell phones are not only a distraction but also lead to a decreased level of engagement in the classroom. Teachers have caught students using their phones for non-educational purposes like texting, gaming, and using social media.
So, should Mast Academy also follow this rule?
Impact of Cell Phones on Classroom Learning
While not exactly banning the use of phones on campus, Mast academy has done their best to limit these issues of unnecessary phone use in class.
In most if not all classrooms’ teachers will make it a requirement to put your phone up in the phone caddies near said teachers’ desk. In addition to having these phone pockets some teachers use them as attendance and if your phone is not in its caddy, you will be marked absent.
Teacher Ms. Paz states that, “One of the things that I’m thankful for putting the cell phones in the caddy is attendance. That way I do not have to call roll, I know who is present or not making it much easier to get into instruction. It’s also a great tool to keep students focused because a lot of times they focus on what’s on their phone rather than what is in class.” By having students place their phones in the caddy, teachers can easily take attendance without the need for manual roll call. Not only does it save time from having to tell kids to put their phone away, but it allows the teacher to already start educational instruction.
Some teachers choose to allow students to keep their phones in their possession, testing students’ trustworthiness. If this trust is broken by being caught on your phone, grave consequences may occur like being either written up or a note being written in the gradebook.
Household Opinions on Phone Bans
Nevertheless, parents and students also have their own opinions on this potential ban. Some parents believe that phones provide security for both them and their child.
Parent Ximena Huber states that,” No, I don’t think phones should be banned. I think parents need to be able to be in touch with their kids. In this day and age kids are used to having direct contact with their parents if they need anything.”
Furthermore, with the ongoing crisis in America with school shootings parents can never know when or what can happen. Due to the unpredictability of the catastrophic event, parents would like to have a form of communication when it’s unavailable.
Additionally, students’ phones can be used for educational purposes like accessing educational apps or taking notes. Some students also use their phones to stay organized by using calendar apps reminding them of upcoming tests and assignments.
Student Maya Litz , A freshman at MAST Academy states that, “I really wouldn’t want a phone ban here at MAST Academy because I use my phone for a lot of things during the day. I take the bus home from school and I know many students do also, but having my phone on me at all times allows my mother to see where I am ,making sure I get home safe.” A cell phone ban would not only cause problems educationally, but it would prevent contact between parents and students’ afterschool making it unsafe for many children to use public transport.