Coming up on the end of the first quarter, the school’s newly implemented phone policy has been a hot topic among students compared to years previous. While the administration has tried to curb potential distractions to fast track learning environments, students feel the administration has pushed too far,

Under the new policy, students with their phones will first surrender it to their teachers for the class period. Then for the rest of the day where it can be retrieved from the office. After a third offense, it can only be picked up by a parent after school.

Some staff believe the policy improves focus, but the general consensus from students is that teachers are overstepping their boundaries. One student said, “It’s made paying attention more difficult when your phone is taken. I’m concerned about what I’m missing out on.”

FoMO, or fear of missing out, has plagued teenagers generationally. However, its effects seem to have been amplified since the launch of the smartphone. A study by Lepp, Barkley, and Karpinski (2014) found “compulsive smartphone users were more likely to experience anxiety than their non-compulsive peers.” 

Many students argue that the new policy has furthered this anxiety. Intensifying the fear of missing social interactions, news or emergencies while in class. Despite these concerns, the administration remains firm, emphasizing the need for a distraction free learning environment.

As the quarter comes to a close, disciplined students seem to have had an easier time adapting to the change. Meanwhile, others have experienced growing tensions with their teachers, leaving everyone wondering if this policy will yield its intended results.