Memorial High School students aren’t allowed to have personal communication devices inside the school for any means because a Texas state law was passed this summer.
Administrators have been very stern about this new rule in place. Throughout the first few days of school, admin believed they would collect tons of phones, but most students were ready to follow the new rule.
“In the first few days, I would say we actually collected probably less than 30 phones,” assistant principal Kimberly Stutz said. “I think it is helping students because it’s causing them to interact with each other more, not just being involved in their phones. I’ve seen a lot more conversations going on, more reading, playing cards, so I think it’s just socially better for them.”
Once a student’s phone is taken up, a parent must come get it the first time. A second offense will result in a d-hall, and a third offense will result in ISS.
For teachers, a weight has been lifted off their shoulders with how smoothly their classrooms are running. They haven’t had to worry about taking up phones or wasting class time by trying to get students to focus on the lesson.
“I certainly see students in class are less distracted by phones, and with fewer distractions, they are spending more time on work,” science teacher Cindy Price said. “I see it certainly would have the potential to see engagement between students.”
However, lots of students see the phone ban in a different light. Some have voiced concerns and others believe phones should be allowed at lunches or during the passing periods.
“I think my peers are most concerned about not having their phone during important situations and also not being able to tell time in the hallways,” junior Mia Mayfield said.
Mayfield said her biggest problem is that she isn’t allowed to listen to her music while working on assignments. Besides phones, smart watches, AirPods and personal laptops are also banned.
Despite the students’ annoyance, it seems like this new ban is planning to stick around for the future years of this school. Staff really does believe that removing the phones will help students in many aspects.
“I do think it will be permanent,” Stutz said of the new state law. “It takes some of the attention away, and it focuses on students’ emotional needs and educational needs too.”
