Phone Ban
- Maggie Lipson
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Phone Ban
By Teddy Lohse ‘28 (Reporter)
There have been many changes this year at FCS. With more coming, let’s take a look at what is easily the biggest change so far — the cell phone ban. Friends’ Central has been awaiting this ban since the official announcement broke in the spring of last year. The details of the phone ban are as follows: every morning at 8:25, students in 9-11th grade will put their phone in a select pouch in their advisors' rooms. 12th graders are allowed to have their phone on them the whole day; however, they have to be locked in a Yondr Pouch. All students cannot access their phones until the day is over at 3:10, unless there is an exception or accommodation for specific students. Of course, with an announcement as significant as this, there was a lot of controversy around it. People liked the old phone rule, which gave the students access to their phones during the day, with the expectation to put the phones in a pouch/basket before each class began. Many thought there was no reason for this ban to exist, but teachers claimed to have many reasons for why they ended up banning the phones.
Many schools across the country have been exhibiting new phone rules, limits, and bans in their schools for varying reasons. A lot of teachers at FCS have argued that without phones, students can be more attentive in school both academically and socially. Of course, teachers love to see students do great academically, but they also arguably want to see students become more social with others. The big reason why people like the phone ban is that students will be better at interacting with each other during free periods like lunch and community block. Many teachers have noticed the way this new ban has brought the community together more. One teacher said, “I appreciate… and see the way folks are talking and interacting without phones present.” Last year, when phones were around, faculty, staff, and even students noticed that phones were very present during these free moments, like community block and lunch. These periods boast a good time for students to interact with each other and have fun in the middle of a stressful day of high school. Phones during this time were a way to decompress, but it wasn’t seen as the right way. People like visiting therapist and substance abuse counselor Mike Blancke have argued that phones can be an addiction, and they should be talked about more and limited. This phone ban at least eliminates students' overuse at school, with a goal to help with a phone addiction even at home. However, with all the social and academic benefits, there have been setbacks.
Many students have argued that this ban is more bad than good. One student interviewed commented, "It's far more difficult to reach parents and people outside of school in case I’m planning something or there is a change in the middle of the school day.” Phones have become the biggest way to communicate with people, especially parents. Parents help a lot with all the things we do both in and out of school. Outside-of-school events or appointments rely a lot of the time on parent communication with the respective student. Without phones, it becomes harder for parents to contact students, and vice versa. If you want to reach someone outside of school, it takes another person to be added into the process, making it less convenient and reliable. However, other students think of the ban differently, with one saying, “It really isn’t as bad as I thought. I’ve noticed myself talking to my friends more during lunch and free periods, as well as helping focus on getting work done in study hall.” For every person who says it’s good, there seems to be another who says it is bad. With any change as big as this, there will always be controversy, especially at the start. However, the most interesting part of it is how it will go for the whole year. We have a little over 25% of the school year completed, and it has already led to many positives and negatives across the board. So whether you like it or not, it’s probably here to stay. Let’s see what happens as we get deeper into the school year.
