At Peters Township High School in the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, the classrooms became cell phone free zones. Students are required to use their district device to access Canvas or any classroom software. Students are allowed to use their devices during non instructional times like lunch and study hall. This initiative was put into place to minimize the use of phones and distractions. Although some students may argue about this new phone rule, it does limit the distractions.
“Although I love being on my phone I think the time I spend on my phone could be spent doing other things,” said senior Ben Miller.
According to consumer affairs 95% of teens ages 13-17 in the U.S. report having access to a smartphone, an increase of 22 percentage points from a decade ago lead to a host of unintended consequences especially in the classroom.
“A possible disadvantage is that it can become a distraction for teens and not being able to pay attention to the teacher’s lesson by getting off topic while being on your phone,” said senior Miller.
Phones can also be useful to students. They provide a means of staying connected with friends and family, which is crucial for maintaining social relationships and support networks.
“I don’t think that phones are bad for teens. It depends on how that person spends their time with their phone ,” said senior Sarah Hazo.
Phones can be used for student collaboration through group chats and project apps. However, the potential for distraction is significant, with social media, games, and messaging often diverting attention away from lessons.
Overall, while phones can offer teens valuable resources and connectivity, their potential drawbacks highlight the need for balanced use and mindful guidance to ensure they contribute positively to young people’s development and well-being.
