[Editor's Note: This article previously stated the cell phone policy was definitely going to change. This was inaccurate reporting. Drops of Ink apologizes for any confusion caused by the misleading information.]
It’s the eternal discussion: Should cell phones be allowed in school? Like every dispute there are two sides, those who think cell phones aren’t necessary, and those who do.
The student handbook states: “Cellular phones, as well as other types of communication, must be turned off and unable to receive or send data of any kind during the school day.”
The district administration, including building administrators, discussed changing LHS’ policy. They compared ours to Barrington High School’s as part of the discussion. However, they decided it was best to keep the policy as is.
Barrington High School’s current policy states (according to their website), “Cell phones and any electronic/digital devices are not to create a disturbance to the educational environment and must be turned off in classrooms, study halls, the library, all restrooms and locker rooms.”
Some students don’t see a need for a new policy because they don’t use their phone during school hours. Others, however, think change is a good idea.
“I think we should be able to use our phones during passing periods and lunch but not during academic classes,” sophomore Meaghan Polk said.
Many students agree. Someone using his/her cell phone in the hallway or cafeteria does not disrupt learning like someone in a classroom does. Many students also use their cell phones to tell their parents something important and don’t have time to go to the LST.
Teachers also send mixed messages about the current policy. Whether a student uses his/her phone to text or to go on facebook, if a teacher sees a student using his/her phone the teacher is expected to take it. Though some teachers do follow this rule, others look the other way or make exceptions.
“I choose my battles with students. Most of the time, they text before class, but if it’s during class I’ll take it,” one teacher said.
History teacher Bill Mix found out that his speakers start to buzz whenever someone walks past with a cell phone.
Then there are the extremists who don’t want students’ phones out whether in their class or not. These teachers follow the cell phone policy strictly.
Part of the reason the policy exists in its current form is to prevent students from cheating. Shelly Stoiber, secretary for the A-GA LST, said she has never seen a person in trouble for cheating with their phone, and sees at most two people a day for using their phone at all. This could be due to oblivious teachers—or sneaky students.
“Really, there is no reason for kids to have their phones, anyway, because all the LSTs have phones. Miraculously, us old folks have reached this remarkable age without cell phones,” Stoiber said.
Students usually don’t use their phones to cheat. Students use their phone mostly for texting their family any changes in their schedule. They also use their phone to talk to their friend that they never see during the day.
“I only use it [phone] if I have to text my parents about something important,” Freshman Kristen Neumann said.
photo by Aubrey Clement
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