By Jacinda McMenamin and Elisio Madera
It has been several weeks since the new phone policy at Branford High School has been implemented, prohibiting students from using the devices in class. And although many in the school have adjusted to the new policy, many students shared mixed responses.
Some students said not having a phone in class spikes some anxiety and discomfort, especially being asked right after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas took place.
One student, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she feels anxious.
“I feel a little unsafe, you know? Especially from all the shootings that are happening at school,” she said. “ Heaven forbid, a maniac came into the school and tried to shoot the school up- who am I going to text? I can’t text anybody. I cannot contact my mother.”
Another student said that students who are suffering from anxiety and depression want to go home early, but are unable to because of having inaccessibility to their phones.
According to the new policy, students are prohibited from using cell phones during class. They can use them during passing time, in study halls, and during lunch. The policy went into effect last month.
Other students, who want to remain anonymous, believe that it is good to incorporate phone time with class time when feeling disengaged or having overall easy access. “I think the phones don’t correlate with grades,” this student said.
“They are saying kids aren’t paying attention because of their phones, but I don’t think that’s why they’re not paying attention in class, but because of the teacher,” she said. “You know, they are not as engaging and maybe they’re not explaining things properly.”
Students felt like the phone usage was beneficial in class for accessibility regarding a topic that required research. “When it came to quick reading, and stuff like that, and you don’t know or didn’t read a chapter, you can just search it up,” the student said.
Many teachers said they are surprised and have noticed a positive change in students’ engagement and awareness after the phone policy came into effect.
Melissa Simone, who is BHS’ social worker, thinks the phone policy is great. “I think that teenagers and adults have started using the phone as their primary coping skill all the time,” Simone said. “They’re totally reliant on it all the time to the point where they freak out when they can’t check in. I don’t think that’s healthy.”
In regards to downtime after class passes, she believes that students can direct that into something useful.
“So, you know, you can do other work. Not that you want to do that, but it makes sense, you’re in school to learn,” Simone said. “ You can look around, maybe there is someone you can have a conversation with, or help your teacher with something,”
“I just think that there are other ways to fill your time besides looking at your phone,” she added.
Sal Zarra, a math teacher in the Atlas department, said he loves the new policy.
“The engagement of the students has increased because the temptation of having to look down because of a buzz or hearing a ping isn’t there anymore.¨
When asked if he’s seen any problems within the month of the policy being in effect, he said “there’s been no pushback on an incredible level. It’s just some kids need to hear it 2-3 times, which I’m okay with…Most kids, I’d say about 90% are very good with putting their phones away.”
Mrs. Karen Izzo, an English teacher, also loves the policy and believes it helps students focus better. She has run into small bumps. “I think some students are having a problem sticking to it. The juniors are having a hard time with it.” she said.
John Albinger, A criminal justice teacher at BHS, is pleasantly surprised how its working so well.
“I think most of the kids, if not all the kids that I have, have gone and fulfilled the requirements for my class,” Albinger said. “They realize its the policy and they have to live by it.”
“It works like a charm,” said Andres Wullaert, also known as Profe, a 9-12 grade Spanish teacher. “I haven’t seen any issues with any students. As long as the students are occupied and they’re engaged in whatever it is that I’m trying to go through, I don’t have any problems with them.”
While it’s apparent that students dislike the new expectations, The policy is going to be perminnet for all students. As long as no major problems are run into in the future, the policy is going to stick around.
