Staring at the numbered pouches on every classroom wall, I unconsciously gripped the phone in my pocket tighter. I couldn’t explain the attachment I felt to my phone — just that it was there and overwhelmingly so.
Yet, as time went on, I felt more comfortable relinquishing the device during class, barely noticing that I didn’t have it. I never used my phone while actively learning in the first place.
The Phone-Free Act states that all schools must develop a policy that limits usage of cell phones — it doesn’t specify how intense said policy has to be, nor does it quote a particular restriction method.
Among students, a great concern of the act and its terms is the potential use of Yondrs: bags that store phones that can only be opened using a magnetic lock. However, because it takes valuable time for each student to individually unlock a Yondr pouch, they would arguably be highly troublesome in a time of crisis, making them incompatible with the terms of the bill, which states “a pupil shall not be prohibited from possessing … a smartphone … in the case of an emergency.” The safety of students comes first and foremost, and it would be most logical to choose the option that can best guarantee their comfort and security.
“A lot of times, things are happening that I [as a teacher] don’t know about, whether it’s mental health challenges or bullying or other problems related to social media or phone usage.”
At Aragon, phone pouches have been proven to work and receive few complaints from students, as the approach is less extreme than Yondrs. By choosing to use wall pouches as the standard phone limitation method, the change is far easier for students to adapt to and is more realistic than purchasing hundreds of costly Yondrs.
Students may view this bill as proof that administrators don’t trust them and want to punish them. However, exerting authority over youth is not the intended purpose of the bill. Instead, the act hopes to improve the mental health of teens, assist them in their learning experience and best take advantage of class time.
Research shows excessive phone usage to be linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Administrators at Aragon also observe stress and other issues stemming from phone usage — likely due to the overuse of addictive social media.
“A lot goes on under the surface [as] more students go to see wellness counseling,” said Advanced Standing Modern World History teacher Jonathan Felder. “I do remember a couple instances where I would question a student and they said they’ve been experiencing some bullying. A lot of times, things are happening that I [as a teacher] don’t know about, whether it’s mental health challenges or bullying or other problems related to social media or phone usage.”
Rather than try to demoralize students, the act aims to encourage youth to decrease their screen time and connect with others outside of the digital world. By spending less time on phones, students will be able to decrease the toll excessive phone usage takes on their mental health and form bonds by personally interacting with peers.
Considering all the negative impacts of Yondrs, it doesn’t make sense for the district to use them, especially when Aragon already has a working alternative.
Eliminating the possibility of Yondrs being implemented makes the act appear less intense — because it is. Few students have noted even using their phones in class, meaning there would be little change to their daily routine, especially if the administration chooses phone pouches as their token limitation method.
Many times, the absence of phones is a net positive that allows students to have the capacity to focus on lessons to 100% of their ability.
“The Phone-Free Act could work out well for education,” said sophomore Saurab Gulati. “This shouldn’t affect most classes, though I see many students use phones to take pictures of lectures or for other academically oriented purposes. But I do believe that attention in class will be increased without the use of phones, provided that students don’t fall asleep in class.”
Though the act may seem pointless to Aragon students as phone restriction strategies have already been implemented in some classes, this is likely not the case for other schools throughout California. As the bill aims to decrease mental health issues among millions of youths, it may affect other schools more than it affects Aragon. It’s logical to support this act, as it will help better the health of students who need it.
