The following is a cross-section of opinion, based on the writer’s interviews with different students and staff.
Kyle Novak: I say that kids should be allowed to have their phones in class. But I do not agree with teachers making us put our phones in the phone pockets. Why should we have to put our phones up but the teacher doesn’t have to? What happens if phones fall out and break or get stolen? Also, what if there was an emergency that happened? We wouldn’t know until after class.
Erin Jones: I am okay with phones in class. But I am fine with phone pockets! Because I think they can help reduce distractions! However, I am personally okay with students using their phones for music during independent work time.
Brent Lythberg: I agree with phones in the class. I also agree with the phone pockets. Because most students are too distracted by their phones and they aren’t able to manage it on their own. It takes away from their ability to focus on learning new information in class.
Gabriella Velazquez: I say people should be allowed to have their phone in class. But I disagree that phones should not have to be put up in the phone pockets because it doesn’t really do anything, and some kids will even say “I got grounded; I didn’t bring my phone” when really they just don’t want to put it up and just keep it in their bags and than take it out when the bells about to ring. They pull it out and just [are] on it. Some people wouldn’t even put it up and not make an excuse. I think it’s basically stupid because no one really does it or follows the rule. Kids don’t listen even if it is for a little part of their grades; they will just keep their phones and mess around with it, until they actually take their phones out of their hands or they actually get caught. Also, we should use our phones because it would help if there is an emergency. If there’s a fire no one’s going [to] listen and leave their phone. Of course, they are going to grab it to tell their parents. If anything happens, we kids aren’t leaving our phones; we [are] grabbing them, then running, then contacting our parents, so we shouldn’t have phone pockets.
Shannon Price: I would have to vote no, only because the few ruin it for the many. I think that [the] majority of kids could stay off their phone and focused on what’s going on in class and only use their phone if time allows, but a portion of students literally can’t stay off their phone if they have access to it, and it’s affecting their overall education
Isabella Velazquez: Yes, phones should be allowed in class only for important things because the phone pockets are a good idea. Because they are not to be on their phones in class.
Edward Magierski: 100% PHONES NOT ALLOWED in class. I agree the phone pockets are a novel idea and will implement one soon. The classroom is a sacred space and deserves the full attention of each student. (I understand the iPad can do the same things and cause the same distractions, but one step at a time.) The time in school and the time away from school call for different behaviors that include phone usage. It is a life skill. The situational awareness to be engaged socially and mentally with the environment is changing with each passing day as the “phone screen” becomes an extension of the person.
Ava Jorgensen: I think phones should be allowed in class. But the phone pockets shouldn’t be allowed. Because it’s dumb: like I feel like using those phone pockets is forcing people to follow their rules. It shouldn’t be allowed because it’s not their property to take our phones or for them to tell us what to do with our phones. It shouldn’t be their responsibility. Even if it’s school they shouldn’t care. Even if they tell us what to do they shouldn’t tell us what to do with our phones.
Kathryn Campbell: I didn’t originally believe in the phone pockets but had to state over and over for kids to put phones away. I implemented it after that.
Emily Rafael: I don’t think it’s necessary for phone pockets because teenagers are responsible not to be on their phone during class. And what if there was a family emergency, and they didn’t know about it until after there class and it was too late?
Tina Novick: Restricting personal phone use during class is not only for students in classrooms; it is also for other workers, staff, and professionals. Even after you graduate from school and start working, employees are not allowed to be on their personal phones during work hours. You may think, “What if my family needs to contact me in an emergency?” In that case, they can contact the school and you will be notified. Students and staff have full access to their personal phones during lunch and or passing periods. There is generally no need for students or anyone else to be on their phone during class.
Matthew Jareczek: I agree with phones in class. But I also agree the Phone pockets are a good way to help students learn to communicate in person, avoid extra distractions, and be respectful when someone is talking to them.
Keegan Joy: I agree but only when students finish their work. I agree with the phone pockets. Because they can make sure that everyone get their work done, but I think that we should be allowed to grab them after we finish our work.
Maureen Wallace: I do not like cell phones in class. They are a complete distraction. I like the idea of some sort of system like the pockets or a box to hold phones during class where students still have access if needed like an emergency. I have not incorporated a system like the pockets in my classroom yet, simply because I would prefer a school/district policy in case some issue arises to back up my classroom policy.
Shannon Branam: I disagree with phone pockets being a big inconvenience to people who don’t go on their phones in class, and when the teachers say because of one person you’re getting a phone pocket, it’s super unfair, and phone pockets are just annoying in general.
I agree that phones should be in class. But I think phone pockets should be used during class. I believe that phone pockets should be utilized in classrooms because it is difficult for people to multitask. Students get distracted while on their phones, even when they believe they can work and use their phones at the same time. A phone pocket allows access to phones in case of an emergency, but still lets students focus on their work while the phones are safely in the phone pockets.
And I disagree about putting my phone in the pockets. Just because it’s annoying and people like me need music to focus and concentrate in class.
Danica Hollis: I say people should have their phones in class. But I disagree with putting the phones in the phone tree because they are phones and are property. And if it breaks it is [someone’s] fault. And the school’s [liable] if it breaks.
