March 4, 2026
At Kennard-Dale High School a rule to restrict the access of phones during class was established on April 14. 2024. This rule was rebelled against when it first started, but the hatred for it significantly decreased as time went on.
Phones have been proven to be a distracting factor over the decades since they were allowed, but a true problem after Covid occurred. Teens tend to get distracted easily and online access to social media at any second restricts their ability to learn.
Students would use their phones to search up answers, cheat on tests, and use AI for assignments like essays. Notification sounds would go off every second and cause the class to get off topic. Students also communicated with others on their phones to cheat on tests and assignments in class.
Cons like preventing students from being able to contact their guardians in case of emergencies came with this rule. Alongside the use of calculators and any/all educational apps or materials requiring a phone for teaching. It stopped students from being able to listen to music, a tool that helps students concentrate in class.
The rule caused students to start being sneaky with the use of their phone, hiding it under desks or wearing airpods in spite of the rule. Students inevitably got in trouble and eventually learned they should not be sneaking it.
The year this rule was set in my freshman year, when I averaged about a 3.4 GPA throughout the year and easily got distracted by my phone. In my sophomore year I averaged a 3.9 gpa the whole year, becoming locked in and focused on my work the whole year. Now, in my junior year, so far I have averaged about a 4.1; Completely focused on my academics and getting assignments done.
The vast difference in my gpa since freshman year just goes to show the change the phone policy had on me and my academics. The rule limits distraction and allows students to actually focus on their work.
Although this rule has helped my gpa increase, it prevents me from completing assignments for classes while having free time in school.
What do you think, did the phone rule help?
