Banning the use of cellular devices is not beneficial to students, staff and other individuals in schools. Among other issues, it completely cuts off communication to anyone outside of the school district, putting the safety of students at risk. At PHS, with the Texas House Bill 1481, all cellular devices, particularly cell phones, are banned from use during school hours. Students are required to keep them in their backpacks, with disciplinary action taken if these rules are not followed.
At face value, this seems like a very obvious and effective solution to an issue that can be observed in schools across the globe today. However, below this superficial belief, there are also consequences of banning the use of cell phones. This includes the inhibition of communication during emergencies, the limiting of school culture and increased stress among students.
During emergencies, especially during fires and lockdowns, students are able to call their families or emergency services through their cell phones for help, preventing injuries and even saving lives. For example, imagine a student witnessing the start of an uncontrolled fire. If they have a phone, they can just dial 911 to call for help, minimizing the spread of the fire and their risk. On the other hand, if the student does not have a phone because of the ban, the student would have to find the closest other person to get help. Then, those people will try to inform others until it reaches emergency services. This process wastes valuable time, increasing the danger of people involved and making it more difficult for others to help.
Additionally, when thinking about high school, phones are among one of the first objects that comes to most peoples’ minds. Cell phones are used for assignments, notes and especially entertainment during school. Although they may pose an obstacle to students’ education, simple bans during class work time are sufficient. During lunch, passing period, or after finishing work for a class, students should be able to use their phones. This way, cellular technology will not obstruct learning in class while also providing a time for students to unwind.
Furthermore, according to Ambitions, 80% of American high school students report feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork and performance. One of the main ways students deal with this stress is by playing games, scrolling through videos, or listening to music on their phones. Banning phones can increase stress in students and, in turn, can lead to serious mental and physical health complications.
Although it is a state law and school districts do not have the authority to override it, state academic administrators must look further into the effects of enforced laws on students. The negative long-term effects that this law brings far outweighs the short-term benefits.
This article was edited by Aarushi Rana, Kate Duncan and Trisha Panicker.
