The dark blue color and blocky numbers of the phone holders are becoming increasingly prevalent around the school, and students are divided about the phone policy at FHS. A new rule has been implemented by many teachers across the school that requires students to put their phone up at the beginning of class.
Sophomore Luis Ramirez said, “I don’t like it…Sometimes my mom sends me texts during school, and I’m not able to check them until later, and I don’t like that.” Another problem for students occurs when they are asked to remove their AirPods. “I like to listen to music on my airpods while I work because it helps me focus better,” explained Ramirez.
However, some students benefit from the phone policy. Junior Aly Martinez said, “I focus better when I don’t use my phone during class because it’s not a distraction to me… I think I should be allowed to have my phone with me during class, but I won’t use it.” Students being forced to put their phones out of reach may help them feel less dependent on the devices.
Removing phones from the equation can also help students focus better. Senior Vanessa Gutierrez said, “I think the new phone policy definitely makes our student body more focused, and although a lot of people don’t like it and disagree with it, I believe in the end it will bring better results.” Gutierrez also commented on the difference between being an underclassmen and upperclassmen regarding a teacher’s strictness, saying, “Some of my teachers are more easy going since I’m a senior, but I’ve heard a lot of things from lower grade level…I don’t think putting your phone up every day is necessary, but when it comes to tests or days when things are due it would definitely be beneficial.” Students at FHS have very different opinions, though the final decision on phone use will ultimately lie with the individual teacher.
