By Kiran Garg, Rielly Hennessy, Saman Hassan, Jenna Marcus
The technological world is evolving at an exponential rate. With new advancements constantly being developed, the way people live, learn, work, teach, and perform tasks has seen significant changes in the past decade. Since the school opened, Williamsville East has been enforcing a no tolerance policy regarding cell phone usage; however, with the new challenges of an evolving world, East must reevaluate its long-standing cell phone policy. While technology opens up a world of countless possibilities and opportunities, its consequences must also be considered.
According to policy 7316, “The use of electronic devices…creates the potential for disruptions, violations of privacy as well as threats to testing/examination security.” Unless instructed by a teacher or aid, students are not permitted to use their own personal devices during school hours. If caught using one’s device, the student can have it taken away for ten days or until a parent picks it up. However, with the remarkable impact technology has had on the world, introducing it to be used more openly in schools is something many schools are reconsidering.
“We still need to discuss the cell phone policy as to what changes, if any, should be made,” Principal Mr. Taylor said. The effects of allowing cell phone usage at East would have on the school, learning environment, its benefits and disadvantages, and balances between the two, are all things being considered.
According to a poll of 98 students at Williamsville East, 95% of students believe the current cell phone policy is not the most effective. Many believe the current policy is inconsistent with current societal norms and can have many benefits if introduced.
“I do think we should be allowed to used our cell phones/devices in the commons and library freely. It’s not distracting to anyone and can be really useful to us,” sophomore Maggie Verrico said. Sophomore Julie Sciolino agreed. “Our school is very strict when they see our phones out in class or in the library. What they don’t realize is most of the time, it’s to check a simple definition.”
More and more schools are starting to consider the benefits of allowing students to use cell phones during school. According to Andre Potvin, principal of Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School in Ottawa, Ontario, utilizing cell phones has had a significant positive impact on his students’ learning. “We do a lot of in-service training with teachers (and parents) on 21st century learners—including how to use student-owned technology in the classroom as an instructional tool. In this way, we are able to emphasize the responsible use of technology by our students. The instructional benefits are significant, and we really don’t have a choice but to move in this direction.”
One benefit of a less strict cell phone policy is better communication between teachers and students. Cell phones can be a valuable tool for communication both in and out of class. Teachers can make the classroom a more open and interactive place through polls, reminders, and websites. “I’ve started texting a number of my students this year with reminders, classroom-related questions, even grades, and it’s really useful. I get a lot more response and it’s helped build channels of communication with a few students I might not have connected with as easily otherwise,” argued Jen Morrison, a high school English teacher from Prosperity, South Carolina. “Cell phone use and texting have become a basic communication tool of our time. It’s time to embrace this technology and set standards for its use.” By utilizing technology, students have the opportunity to build relationships with teachers, access more resources, interact more, and ultimately learn more effectively.
In addition to the learning environment, many students agree that being able to freely use cell phones in the commons or library can benefit them in numerous other ways. “After a hard day of classes, listening to music or relaxing on my phone can ease some stress and help me focus better for my next class. If students aren’t doing anything inappropriate, what’s the problem?” a junior at East asked. Not to mention, some kids focus better when they are listening to music. Studies have shown that the right kind of music can help you relax your mind which enables you to concentrate better. It would also allow students to always have be able to have a quiet place to get their work done. “Sometimes when I need a quiet place to concentrate I go to the career center, or even the library occasionally, and there are no computers available. If we were able to use our phones it would save computers and allow us to not have to go to loud places to get things done,” sophomore Gillian Marcus said.
However, some students and adults argue that allowing cell phones would discourage intimate communication and relationships. “For some educational purposes, using cell phones are fine, but kids aren’t communicating with others. Everyone just looks at his or her phones. And if the rules on cell phone use are less strict, then that would cause even more kids not communicating,” school aid Mrs. Middione said. Sophomore Rachel Parks agreed. “Having cell phones in class could cause students to text during class and not pay attention to the teacher. If everyone one was on their phone I would feel weird not being on mine.”
However, this may not always be the case. If used responsibly, cell phones could be a powerful tool, but one major concern expressed by the district is students abusing their privileges. This can lead to cheating, class disruption, bullying, etc. Although cell phones can be used in unfair or disruptive ways, just like anything else, when its power is abused it should be taken away. “Cheaters will always find ways to cheat or do bad things, whether it be using cell phones, writing answers on their desk/arms, asking friends; there are countless numbers of ways. Cell phones have so many other advantages that that shouldn’t be the main focus,” a senior at East said.
In a poll of 32 students, 78% agreed that students are not actually obeying the current no tolerance policy. Whether it be in the commons, library, locker room, or classroom, chances are there are always people that have their phones out when they’re not supposed to. If students are allowed to freely use their devices in the commons, they are probably less likely to have it out in class and disrupt others or not pay attention. “I think a lot of people were allowed to use their cell phones during their free, they would get what they needed to do done or get it out of their system, and be a lot less likely to use it in class. Also, there are a lot of people who just like to do it because it’s against the rules and they think they’re cool. Either way, allowing kids to use cell phones would probably decrease their usage in class,” a sophomore said.
After implanting a new cell phone policy, many schools have seen more positive effects than negative. According to Dave Stovenour, assistant principal of Dundalk High school in Baltimore, “We have seen a drop in disruptions related to electronic devices, and parents have welcomed this more relaxed policy. “After all, to our students (and to us as well), the cell phone has become a virtual appendage—an essential communication tool, and not necessarily more disruptive than a student tapping a pencil,” Scott Herrmann, principal of Gemini Junior High school in Niles, Illinois said. “Since we rethought our policy, havoc has not reigned. Our school structure has not collapsed, and the instructional process has not suffered. We now have more time to focus on what matters: teaching and learning.”
Williamsville’s procedures have not changed, but new policy 7317 allows each school to determine the rules. The district wants to match levels so that elementary, middle, and high schools have the same rules. High school principals are meeting Friday, March 6th to discuss the new policy and its implications for the three high schools.
At the end of every freshmen year, students are asked in a survey what they would like to see East change for the following year. The electronic policy has been steadily climbing to number two overall now, as it is clear students are looking for more access and freedom with their devices.
This specific issue has come up at numerous faculty meetings as well, allowing faculty and staff to have some input. Mr. Taylor is looking into piloting a new policy as early as next year.
