Kelly Giang

Infographic depicting some of the pros and cons of a phone-free school.

Olympia High School’s “off and away” phone policy has students upset and teachers beaming. Teachers enjoy not having to tell students to put their phones away and students hate not contacting their parents.

Teachers love this change because it prevents additional distractions, keeping students more engaged during class. “I don’t have to fight with people’s airpods to spend time with them,” health and ASB leadership teacher Desiree Saylors states. “I guess it keeps you focused on class… some people would get distracted on their phone and not doing their work in class,” sophomore Tristyn Alvarez adds.

The policy isn’t always ideal, especially for classes that involve technology. It requires some teachers to find an alternative to using phones and causes extra challenges for students who rely on technology to stay organized with assignments, upcoming tests, and notes at the end of class. “I think that we should be able to use our phones in class for learning purposes only,” Alvarez stated.

Having phones away is beneficial for students because they have the opportunity to connect with their peers and build stronger relationships instead of scrolling through on their phones. “You all feel like you’re a little bit more connected in what’s happening in your classrooms. I would like to think that you’re feeling a little less pressure socially because you’re not bathing in social media” Saylors comments.

A con is that students wouldn’t be able to have their phones on them if there was an emergency which causes fear in many. “One thing that most students said is ‘What if there’s an emergency, I feel so worried that I can’t get ahold of my family,’” Saylors said. Students also stress about having to get a new phone if theirs gets lost after an emergency.

The new policy has potentially helped lessen bullying, harassment, and trouble. “We have fewer no-contact orders already this year…most of this harassment and intimidation and bullying and stuff that kids experience is from social media,” Saylors says. Previously, students would use their phones to schedule meet-ups with their friends during class. “I hope we have less naughty businesses happening in the bathroom,” Saylors comments.

Overall, OHS’s new phone policy seems to be doing well, with a few disadvantages and many complaints. As the school year goes on we’ll be able to tell how it’s impacted students and the school more accurately.