As the new school year begins, new rules have been established here at STA. In an effort to make the learning environment less distracting for students, the STA administration has implemented the new anti-phone rule.
The decision was made to ban phones during school hours because teachers have noticed an increase of distractions due to cell phones in the classroom. With access to social media, texting, and games on phones, many students find it difficult to do their work without compulsively checking for notifications. Under the new policy, students must turn off their phones completely and keep them in their backpacks until the end of the day. Fortunately, students are allowed to use their phones, but only during their scheduled lunch period.
The new rule has caused varying reactions from students, good and bad. Most students dislike the new rule and struggle to adjust to it. Senior Maddie Trese says, “I really dislike this new rule. I want to be able to use my phone during school. I don’t think this new rule is even necessary, in my opinion.” On the other hand, some students actually like it better because they can focus on their studies without the temptation to use their phones.
Many teachers at STA are passionate proponents of the new phone policy. Theatre and Newspaper teacher Ms. Garrard said, “I am a big supporter of the new phone policy. I think it is probably hard for the students. I feel it creates an environment where students can engage with the classroom and each other in a more meaningful way, and it will improve their social situations as well as their academics.”
Regardless of students’ frustration with the new rule, it must be uniformly followed. The student body will eventually adjust to the rules and discover that it benefits them and the faculty in the long run.
