In a scene that could draw comparisons to a “Back to the Future” movie, the newly-enacted phone ban takes effect across Texas schools. Guyer students seem to get a taste of what school life was like for their parents.
Due to worries of students’ academic engagement and mental health issues, Governor Abbot signed the House Bill 1481 that bans phone use during school in hopes of improving the overall learning environment of school (gov.texas).
As the phone ban in Texas schools takes effect, students describe what life’s like without their digital best friend.
“I am used to hearing common complaints about this rule from people around me. The ban isn’t as strict here, allowing you to use your phone as soon as school ends. While that’s great, it doesn’t stop people from getting upset about not being able to reach friends or parents. At times I can agree with this complaint, but overall I understand why this ban is public.” said sophomore, Zoie Morales.
Making the switch from having your phone on your person all the time to not having it for the majority of the day is a massive turn. The switch may seem very sudden right now but as all changes happen, people will learn to adapt.
“How many times do you think about your phone during the day?”
“I don’t actually think about my phone too much. I usually think about what I could do on my phone…I usually think about it 3 or 4 times a day” said sophomore, Ava McAndrew,
Though our phones aren’t considered a body part it seems that humans have unintentionally developed a need for these devices like how we need one of our extremities. Even so, the phone ban affects the majority of students in Texas. There are some exceptions. Students with special education exemptions, medical needs, and specific district- issued devices like chromebooks.
“How would you say students are taking the phone ban from a teacher perspective?”
“Well overall the feedback that I’ve heard from teachers, parents and even some students has been positive… even in my you know casual observations there’s a lot more students engaged in actual conversations with one another and that’s a good thing…” stated Dr. Garcia.
The phone ban has been a major change in how students and teachers go about their daily routine, hopefully this change proves to be beneficial and everyone can learn to adapt.
