This year, New York State put in place a law for a “bell-to-bell” smart phone ban. You may not use your phone–or any cellular device or tablet, for that matter–from the first period bell to the ninth period bell (7:30 AM to 2:30 PM). This ban has many students freaking out, worrying how they are going to get through their day with no access to their phones. Some thought it would be more of a benefit than a burden. Well, reality has set in. The ban is in place, and people have strong opinions!
Our very own BHS teacher Mr. Malossi shared his opinion on the ban: “This is the best thing that has ever happened in all my years in education.”
“What!” we all screamed in unison. “ARE YOU CRAZY?”
“Well, that’s up for debate, but I will say that kids are more engaged, more social, and just plain happier in the first few weeks this year than I’ve seen them in a long time. However, I do not like that kids can have their phones in their school bags. They should learn where their lockers are, put them in there at 7:30 and take them out at 2:30. All other solutions are too tempting–students are addicted to phones. Lockers-only is the rule in my home school district.”
Ms Treadwell agrees, “I love it. Kids are actually focused and talking to each other and not locked in on their screens.”
Mrs. Zabell thinks that “It’s great that students are more social and interacting with each other.”
Most teachers may think this is the best decision Bethpage has made in a long time. However, there is the other side: there, you’ll find the students.
Sophia Marullo said, “I’m really annoyed. I don’t see it having any effect on my academic performance, and I don’t see the reason why we can’t have it when we are in the halls. It could be beneficial and not beneficial, but it should not be the school’s responsibility for how much you decide to pay attention in class and how your phone affects academics.”
Danielle Betwinek agreed: “I find it extremely inconvenient because as a member of multiple after school groups, my schedule is constantly changing, and the ban prevents me from getting a ride at a new time.”
Last year’s phone caddy system worked well. Why change it all of a sudden? We think last year’s phone caddy was effective for our school and students. Students were not able to use their phones in class but were able to have freedom to use it in lunch and hallways. Kids were able to be engaged in class and pay attention then also be able to communicate with peers and family after class. This year kids have to keep their phones in their bags which allows students to use them secretly during class and in hallways to cheat, communicate and be unengaged in class. This causes some disagreements between students and teachers because they’re lawfully required to take phones even if they don’t want to upset or annoy you.
The Eagle’s Cry had the opportunity to interview BHS’ very own principal, Mr. Jantz. We got his opinion on the phone ban.
About the new system, he argues that, “I think we had a good system in the previous years. Our goal was to keep phones out of kids hands, and I think we did a good job with that.”
He also adds that, “On one end, I understand why the governor made this decision. There is stuff that happens with kids and their phones, thankfully not as much in BHS though.”
Does this rule benefit uus? Mr. Jantz said, “We are doing well! Look, I know kids may sneak it in the bathrooms or at lunch, but other than that, it’s going well.”
Finally, we asked him if it was his choice to ban the phones, would he?
He replied with, “It is more of a community system, and I would have to meet with the PTA. It is also a little too early for me to answer, because it has been too short of a sample. I will have the answer in June! But the kids have been great with this ban, which we appreciate.”
So, the question is, benefit of burden? Teachers seem to believe this is a benefit, but students seem to think this is hurting them. At the end of the day, a law is a law, and we can’t use our phones. Might as well make the best of it! Don’t break the law guys!
