Lake Forest High School has made changes to its phone policy this school year, causing a stir among the student body. The new phone policy was something that students thought would “blow over within days” but after nearly a month of school, the policy remains.
There was an email sent out to students explaining that phones will be stored away during class this school year, the intention being so students can receive the best possible education. Most teachers are putting phone caddies in classrooms to limit the distractions that cell phones provide. However, if a student fails to comply with this policy, he or she can be sent to the deans.
“I like it [the phone policy] in certain classes, but in others, I feel that it’s unnecessary,” said Senior Class President Kelsey Bumbaco. “There’s pros and cons to both sides, I think an obvious pro is that it forces kids to be more focused and not reach for their phone constantly. However, what I’ve gathered from other students is that they feel there’s a lack of trust between themself and their teachers.”
Students are concerned that they do not have control over their own cell phones while in class, and some strongly oppose this lack of control that comes with the new policy.
“We are seniors, we should be trusted. Teachers have claimed it is (schoolwide) policy but it’s not, because some classes I don’t have to turn [the phone] in,” said senior Michaela Goldman. “I think a huge aspect is that it can come down to safety; it makes us feel more comfortable having our phone on us.”
Study Hall advisor Mrs. Leanne Nelson is all for the new phone policy.
“It [the new policy] drives people to have to focus on their school work,” said Nelson. “Some students just need a little bit of extra help focusing.”
Nelson expressed the importance of students learning to engage in class. She thinks it is crucial that students learn healthy habits in order to do well when it comes time for college. For Nelson, the phone policy is not about going against the student’s wants, but more so about helping them for their future.
Bumbaco says many seniors are especially “frustrated” by the policy.
“Many feel that they should be able to make their own decisions and choose how they spend their time in class,” said Bumbaco. On the other hand, however, she understands there was a reason for this change: “This goes with the new Scout Way and I think technology a lot of the times is the root of our problems.
Clegg wants to make it clear that although the deans are in full support of this policy, ultimately it was a school-wide decision.
“The school as a whole felt the students were struggling to learn in a classroom environment because of phones,” said Clegg.
She said a happier school environment starts in the classroom, and minimizing phone usage in class will help with that.
“As an adult, I am distracted by my phone too, and it’s a societal problem. If we can do a simple change by using phone caddies to make students better learners, then that is a no-brainer,” she said.
This story was updated Friday. A previous version included a quote that inaccurately described how the updated policy was created.
