From bell to bell, the No Cell Act has become a prominent discussion within schools. The new school legislation has been issued within the state of Arkansas and it reads that ‘personal electronic devices are allowed to be restricted during the school day and the use of them are prohibited throughout the school day unless usage is for a health reason.’ The newly issued legislation includes prohibiting phone usage on school property and at school related functions. Sophomore Bella Syabane is concerned about emergency cases in which a student would need to have their phone on them.
“I understand the issue with phones, but having such restricted access to your phone is simply not right,” Sayabane said. “People still need access to their phones for certain reasons, like needing to send a text to your mom on how you’re getting home, or in case of an emergency.”
Other students in the building have expressed their disapproval of the Act. For many students like Colby Pianalto, a junior who will be required to follow the rules as a senior next year, it feels as though this is taking away something that belongs to the students and the students’ parents.
“I feel as if it’s just taking away our property for the day,” Pianalto said. “I feel like they think it’s going to be more helpful when really kids are still going to try to sneak their phones into class other ways.”
Junior Addison Penner agrees with Pianalto about students feeling the need to have their cell phones. She also believes that the adaption next year will not be a smooth process because of her experience with the success with the current system in place.
“A lot of students are dependent on their phones so it will be difficult to adjust,” Penner said. “This year I have only experienced people following the rules and teachers enforcing it, so I do not see why next year we need to take it to that extent.”
Head principal, Dr. Griep knows that our current system will have to be adjusted to fit the new law that has been put in place. Along with this, the school is working with Mrs. Clay, District Legal Counsel, and Mrs. Tisher, Associate Superintendent to see how it will affect us and our daily practices at school.
“As you know, we took significant steps this year to prioritize learning by implementing “Phone Garages” and expecting students not to access their phones during class,” Griep said. “The new law includes specific language that we will carefully review as we consider any needed adjustments.”
The anxiousness that comes along with hearing buzzes coming from cell phones are believed by Sayabane to be something that will decrease the amount of accomplishments students will achieve in the classroom. The better solution is to require teachers to be more on top of it according to Sayabane.
“My solution would be to have teachers themselves be more strict about phones in the classroom,” Sayabane said. “Teachers should have the obligation to support their students in learning by restricting their access to their phone.”
Penner disagrees and thinks students might be able to focus better without their phones nearby but that, like her, students with jobs might struggle with the missing of work opportunities due to bosses reaching out during the school day.
“People with jobs will be negatively affected because I know that during the day I will get a text from my boss asking about shifts and my phone being locked up will keep me from getting that. Then, what?” Penner said. “I can’t go and cover shifts for someone?”
Next year, the classrooms in schools will look a lot different due to the new Cell Phone Act. Students are aware that their productivity will most likely be better without the distraction of their phones constantly on them, however, the path the state is taking to restrict phones seems violating to many students.
“I understand the issue with phones, but having such restricted access to your phone is simply not right.”