The new cell phone policy that came down from Governor Glen Younkin’s office, restricting all cell phone and other personal device usage from the ring of the 1st block bell through to the final bell at 2 PM, has officially taken effect, and both students and staff are affected by the change.
“Since the new cellphone policy took effect, I have noticed students becoming more present and engaged in their school experience,” said Assistant Principal Dr. Dana Cho. “During lunch, they engage in more conversation.”
Students are not the only ones having to adjust to the new rules. Teachers who used to use devices as part of their lessons are finding ways to keep their lessons intact while following the new policy. One such teacher, Academy Theatre teacher Christa Vogt, has devised a way for her students to take pictures without phones.
“Photos are now taken with old digital cameras,” said Vogt. “As far as recording anything, we just don’t anymore. Instead of video recording themselves, they are taking hand-written notes in a way that will help them remember it.”
While there are some who say the new policy encourages creativity, others have raised concerns.
“I think it’s good that it’s during classes, but I think it’s unreasonable during lunch,” said senior Marriah Guzman. “Especially since that most recent flood. We had no way of contacting our rides.”
Concerns about the phone policy inhibiting students’ safety are not new. Students and parents have been raising concerns since last year about the possible safety implications of a more restrictive cell phone policy.
Regardless of opinions on policy, according to the administration, most students have been compliant.
“While we did see an uptick in referrals, it was not nearly as significant as expected,” said Cho. “This smoother transition is largely due to the clear communication of expectations to students and families prior to the start of the school year, which helped students understand the policy and reduce confusion.”
Overall, reactions have been mixed, but the policy will remain in effect for the foreseeable future, so at 7:20 AM, it’s time to put your phone away.
