Cell phones are a largely debated topic in most schools, but what do the students and teachers of St. Louis High School think of the ongoing debate about cell phones in classrooms? The majority of students own a cell phone, which they carry with them throughout the day as they attend their classes. Even the teachers can be seen scrolling through their phones between classes and before school. Technology is a major part of our daily lives and interactions, but do they have a place in the classrooms?
Art teacher Mr. Puffpaff said, “Research has shown that when students have their cell phones on them in class it has a negative impact on their education. Even flipped over on a desk or in your pocket, they are still shown to be a major distraction for students.” Although Puffpaff believes cell phones don’t belong in the classroom in most cases, he said, “I’m not anti smartphones. I have a phone and I understand the importance of them. I just see phones as a distraction in my class.” Students in Puffpaff’s classes know this rule well as they are greeted with a plastic yellow cellphone bin directly inside his classroom door.
Another teacher Mrs. Biehl said, “I feel like this isn’t the popular option but the one that’s best for all students. Cell phones are a distraction in class and cause stress from outside-related things. I wish the school would just make the decision for students and say no cellphones in school.” Biehl’s opinion of banning cellphones in school was disagreed with by a decent number of students, such as senior Charlie Lyon, who was very opposed to the idea.
Between Biehl and Puffpaff, the teacher’s opinions seem to lean much more toward “no cell phones in class.” Yet, phones are commonly seen as a distraction or a device that takes away from student learning. But how do St. Louis students feel about the possible distraction of cell phones?
Sophomore Alexis Hitsman agreed partly with the teacher’s views, but was in favor of less drastic options. Hitsman said, “I think they are not a distraction as your work is getting done, but if your work isn’t getting done, then it becomes a distraction.” This mindset is one that most students can agree with, as most aren’t in favor of the outright banning of cell phones in schools and feel that such drastic measures aren’t necessary.
No matter the view a person holds on cellphones, it’s undeniable that they are an important part of student’s daily lives, no matter what kind of distracting tendencies the devices potentially have. Most people value being able to quickly communicate with others as well as stay up to date on current events, or simply entertain themselves.
