Feature

Student Opinion: Phone Ban 2026

Valentina Bernal, Reporter • June 3, 2026

Cover Image of a student’s phone

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, phones will be permanently banned at school, including during free periods such as lunch. Many teachers and administrators believe this policy is necessary because it will help students stay focused on their schoolwork without outside distractions. In addition, concerns surrounding the growing use of artificial intelligence and academic dishonesty have contributed to the decision. However, students at STA have voiced mixed opinions about the new policy.

Freshman Josefina Bianchi shared her perspective, saying, “Students use their phones to communicate and express themselves in many ways. Being stuck inside a classroom for multiple hours can leave us feeling restless. Having our phones at lunch can help us relax our brains for a bit.” Fellow freshman Skylar Schwartz expressed a similar opinion on the topic, stating, “I think that taking away our phones for lunch isn’t a good idea because then everyone will be more tempted to use it during class.”

These concerns connect directly to the reasoning behind the ban. Administrators believe that removing phones from students during the school day will reduce classroom disruptions and limit misconduct. At the same time, many students feel that completely restricting phone use, especially during lunch and free periods, may go too far. For many students, phones provide a way to relax, socialize, and take a mental break during the school day.This connects directly to the reasoning behind the ban. Administrators presume that by removing phones from the students will help cut down on disruptions during class and alleviate the amount of misconduct.

While administrators see the policy as a necessary step toward improving focus and maintaining academic integrity, students worry that the rule could create more frustration than productivity. Ultimately, the success of the new policy will depend on whether the school can find a balance between creating a distraction-free learning environment and allowing students opportunities to unwind during breaks.

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About the Contributors

Valentina Bernal, Social Media Team

Valentina is a freshman at St. Thomas Aquinas. This is her first year on the Raider Review staff. As a member of the social media team, she keeps up to date on trends and applies them to social media. Valentina’s favorite part of being on the Raider Review is being able to share news with people at STA. She is a member of the Marine Biology club. Her favorite movie is “The Notebook.”

Josefina Bianchi, Social Media Team

Josefina is a freshman at St. Thomas Aquinas. This is her first year on the Raider Review staff. As a member of the social media team, she keeps up to date on trends and applies them to social media. Josefina’s favorite part of being on the Raider Review is writing about things that she is passionate about. She is a member of the Marine Biology Club and the Spanish Club. Her favorite movie is “The Parent Trap.”