When Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students heard about this year’s new phone policy, many students let out complaints and sighs. “Nobody likes the cell phone rule. It won’t affect the amount of information that students retain from class. You can’t learn unless you want to,” said Richard Montgomery High School junior Anya Precil. However, despite students’ concerns, the new phone policy helps them learn without distractions.
Exasperated social media posts emerged on every social media site, but many were created without a true understanding of what the policy entails. Bethesda Magazine explains that MCPS’s updated rule requires devices to be turned off and in lockers during the day; they can only be used before and after school. However, individual middle and high schools may decide if they allow use during lunchtime; high schools can choose to permit phones during transition periods.
The new electronics guideline is designed to solve these issues by bringing the focus back to class material. When phones are left in lockers, students are more likely to pay attention. According to Precil, classes became increasingly easier once she put her cell phone away.
The need for an updated phone rule stems from the dropping grades seen in the previous school year. During quarantine, students had unlimited access to their devices, which led to an alarming increase in failing grades and incomplete assignments. Even after returning to in-person classes, students continue to use their phones during instruction.
“I kept reaching for my phone even when I knew I shouldn’t. It’s just that when scrolling through TikTok or texting your friends is an option, it’s difficult to focus on class,” Richard Montgomery junior Brenda Orellana said.
The policy also addresses the lack of respect students have shown for their teachers. “In some periods, everyone ignored the lesson entirely. No one raised their hand, participated in discussions, nothing,”Richard Montgomery freshman Alexia Springer said.
Even beyond academics, the cell phone policy encourages face-to-face interaction, something students have been severely lacking due to the coronavirus pandemic. With increased participation in instructional discussions and activities, students have more opportunities to get to know their classmates and make new friends. “I have met a lot more people this year now that I talk in class,” Julius West Middle School seventh-grader Jacob Springer said.
It’s not just MCPS that has implemented a safeguard against phones. According to CBS News, “a 2020 study found 96% of the high schools and middle schools surveyed had some kind of cell phone policy, with 78% prohibiting cell phone use during class time.” And with the increase in creative ways to cheat, it’s no surprise. Text messaging, cameras and even strategies involving Fitbits and smartwatches have become increasingly popular.
The MCPS cell phone policy addresses all of these concerns and issues with one change. Keep phones in lockers during instructional time and you might be surprised by the difference it makes.
Article written by Madeline Springer of Richard Montgomery High School
Photo courtesy of Adi Bala of Richard Montgomery High School