The purpose of school is to learn and become ready for our futures. However, learning can be pretty difficult if we are on our phones.  While phones can be entertaining, they’re also a significant distraction to learning. 

Phones have been seen as a negative influence on students. Lauren Trader has felt that “phones are causing too many distractions and aren’t helping in the classroom.” Whether it is the ping of constant text messages or the desire to check SnapChat, phones interrupt students’ thinking.  Phones can also be used for sharing test answers and for bullying.  Some teachers mainly focus on taking away phones to get their students to work, but sometimes those consequences can be negative. Students can sometimes be distracted by the noises around them within the classroom.

Phones help students concentrate as well through blocking out sounds like one senior student Joe Bulko said. “Having music helps me a lot. I personally don’t like having a lot of noise around me when I’m doing homework. So being able to just put my headphones in and listen to music helps me focus.” 

Teachers and administrators have various thoughts about phones. Some teachers are more lenient as long as the phone doesn’t get in the way of teaching. Others are stricter and will want the phone to be put away, which is the rule. Mrs. Mattson says, “I’m certainly more on the lenient end when it comes to having phones in the classroom.  As long as students are getting their work done and the phone isn’t getting in the way of that, they can use them.  Many students like to listen to music on their phone while working. Again as long as the phone isn’t in the way of learning, I’m good with it. In life, you will have your phone on you; it’s important to learn how to manage your time on it.”

Overall, students should be working in classrooms to learn all they can.  Phones should only be used when necessary, and students should ask their teacher’s permission.