Cell phones in schools have become a big debate nationwide, with some schools even implementing rules and restrictions in order to keep them outside of—not just classrooms—but outside of schools overall. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, “…38 percent of schools with cell phone policies have restrictions for cell phone use outside of class, such as during free periods, between classes, or during extracurricular activities.” Though cell phones are a common discussion within other school communities, what do the students of Downey High think about cell phone usage in school?
To begin, student Natalia Ortega (10), gave her opinion on cell phones, even answering questions about her own cell phone usage. Ortega often spends 4-5 hours on her cell phone daily, using it mostly for texting, social media, and listening to music. She appreciates the fact that her phone allows for easy communication, specifically with friends and family. However, she believes that her device can be distracting. “I think [cell phones] can belong in classrooms if they’re used for learning,” Ortega stated. “…like looking things up, doing assignments, or using educational apps…but if people are just scrolling or texting, then they can be a big distraction.”
Furthermore, Janelle Juarez (10) answered further questions on her cell phone usage and her opinions on cellular devices in school. On average, Juarez uses her device about 4 hours daily. She mostly uses it for entertainment and communication purposes, with her most used app being Netflix. The thing Juarez likes most about her cell phone is that she not only uses it for entertainment and communication, but that she can also use it as a tool to help with academic productivity. “I don’t believe cellphones belong in classrooms, as it may interfere with learning,” Juarez stated. “…but I believe that a student shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to do something as simple as texting a parent or checking the time.”
Finally, Brianna Ponce (11) shared her own thoughts regarding cell phone usage in school. Ponce uses her device for about 6 hours a day, in which most of the time she is listening to music and watching TikTok. Though she likes that her cell phone offers entertainment and an efficient way to look up information, she dislikes that her phone can be very distracting. “I think cell phones do belong in classrooms,” Ponce said. “…sometimes we need to use them for assignments, and we also might need them in an emergency.”
To conclude, it is generally agreed that cell phones offer a great way to communicate, track academic progress, look up information, etc. However, they can also be a distraction when it comes to paying attention in class or completing assignments on time. In truth, cell phones have had a significant impact on cognitive skills, such as the diminishing of attention span. As the Lone Star Neurology states, “As people constantly switch between apps, notifications, and social media feeds, their ability to concentrate on a single task diminishes.” All in all, cellular devices offer great advantages and efficient access to information and communication, but at what cost? It is important to be aware of the amount of cell phone usage one consumes and to find ways to balance between the screen and reality
