By Darshini Dayanidhi
Williamsville East High School recently joined other schools in New York State by enforcing a strict phone ban. However, this rule doesn’t just cover phones; any personal internet-enabled devices are included. That means laptops, iPads, and even AirPods are off-limits during the school day. These items are meant to be put away and locked away in students’ lockers before the morning announcements end and are only permitted to be taken out after the last bell, which rings at 2:46. While the rule aims to reduce distractions and improve focus, the response from students, as expected, has been overwhelmingly negative.
East Side News conducted a survey of 62 students to see how people feel about the ban. Only 6 students, roughly 10%, said they were happy with it and think it should stay. The other 90% opposed it. For most students, the ban isn’t just frustrating; it disrupts how they normally get work done, focus, and even relax during free periods. Many students explained that they use music to concentrate or block out noise while doing their homework. Without AirPods, or any kind of Bluetooth, they say it’s harder to focus. A senior declared, “It’s annoying that this law came into place right as I enter my final year of high school, I can’t record any memories with my friends anymore. Not to mention, no matter where I go during my free period, the environment is always loud and disruptive. Without my airpods, it’s so distracting and it’s taking away my ability to focus and get my schoolwork done.”
Others mentioned that school-issued Chromebooks aren’t as convenient or efficient as their personal devices. There are hundreds of students using Chromebooks throughout the day, and as a result, the devices often lag dramatically. Websites that are school approved and that are used for schoolwork are often mistakenly blocked by the administration. This can be counterproductive, especially when considering the fact that students only have a set amount of free time to do their schoolwork before their next class starts. Simple things like checking the calendar, looking up a reference in a book, or finishing and submitting an assignment now take longer. Communication has also become more complicated. Instead of sending a quick text home, students must now go to the main office to contact their family.
For many, this added step feels unnecessary, especially when they just need to confirm a ride home or let a parent know they will be late. A sophomore said, “I feel like they are punishing all of us for the bad behavior of the few. If students want to let their devices dictate how they spend their time at school, then it should be their choice. It’s their responsibility to deal with the eventual consequences. Banning all phones does nothing, but make school life harder for the students who actually use it for educational purposes efficiently.”
In regards to the use of a device in the Commons, one junior expressed her concern and stated, “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that they banned us from using our phones even during free periods. I do not have any friends during my free time, so when I go to the commons to eat my lunch, I end up looking weird and awkward and out of place. If I had my phone, I could at least try to blend in.”
For many students, the ban feels like it makes simple tasks unnecessarily difficult and adds unwanted stress and anxiety to their already chaotic day. The rule has divided opinions among teachers and parents, although most teachers, staff, and administrators are reporting positive results. Teachers have seen phones distract students during lessons, and parents supporting the ban say it encourages focus and face-to-face interaction. They argue that fewer devices in school can mean fewer disruptions as well and, as a result, aid in students’ everyday learning.
Science teacher Mrs. Weitz said, “Student engagement has noticeably increased, and students are more present and focused in class. There’s a greater sense of purpose and deeper meaning in our daily lessons.”
English teachers noticed positives as well, especially since their classes rely on participation. Mrs. Ehmann said, “The cell phone ban has been so helpful in this ‘getting to know you’ phase of the school year. More students are taking the time to speak to one another, and the students who are new to our building seem to have found easier connections than years past because the start and end of class are times for actual chatting, as opposed to students turning to their phones and zoning out.”
And Mrs. Brown added, “I also see fewer students upset about a mid-day text or about something someone posted on social media. While students may not ‘like’ the cellphone ban, my observations are that they are more engaged, more interactive with classmates and less distracted by emotional interruptions to the school day.”
Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Ms. Spada sees the positives play out in other places than the classroom. She said, “When I walk the halls during the day I see students more engaged and focused in their classes. The benefit that I love the most is going through the commons and seeing students talking to one another and smiling more. In my conversations with students the focus seems to be more about the individual person and their interests rather than the latest drama on social media — which I think will further improve the culture and positive relationships here at East.” Mr. Raskopf shared the same observation of students in the Commons. “The Commons has been filled with laughter, the crashing of Jenga blocks, and students asking how to play Blackjack. There is a lot of joy and community down there these days!”
On the other hand, some teachers worry the ban removes helpful tools. Phones and personal laptops can be used for quick research and organization of school life. One anonymous teacher said, “I actually don’t think the phone ban is a good idea. I know that I’m in the minority when it comes to this issue when compared to my peers, but I think the students here are old enough and mature enough to make their own decisions. It’s unfair for us to expect you guys to behave like adults while also taking away the opportunities for you to act like one.” Parents against the rule also feel uneasy about not being able to reach their children directly during the day, especially with the country’s reputation for frequent gun violence and mass shootings in public spaces.
The survey is clear: Students at Williamsville East want their devices back while teachers and administrators prefer the ban remains due to what they see as immediate and tangible positive outcomes. Similarly, a small group supports the ban for promoting focus and social interaction, but the majority polled see their personal devices as essential, not just for entertainment, but for productivity, communication, and managing their school day.
However, Governor Kathy Hochul has stressed that the ban is here to stay. Whatever side students fall on, figuring out how to navigate school without their personal devices is essential as the year moves forward. The East Side News will continue to report on this issue throughout the year.