The new cell phone policy at the San Marcos High School and at other schools is getting out of hand. Due to students not focusing and not paying attention in class, SMHS took the privilege of having phones away from students. 

I personally think students should at least have their phones next to them at all times. It doesn’t physically need to be out on the table but at least in student’s pockets because some students steal or take away someone else’s phone. Also with this new cell phone policy, I noticed teachers take away student’s phones and turn them into the office.. again what if students have a family emergency going on or if someone is in danger? How will students be able to get that chance to communicate and know what is going on when teachers are taking those chances away from them?

Guardians all over Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram disagree with the cell phone policy in schools, some guardians even say their child will not turn their phone into anyone, a lot of people are upset with this policy.

There are a lot of school shootings in Georgia all over social media, and Students being scared and not knowing how to communicate with their supervisors. For cell phones to be used, Students can only use phones during passing period, lunch, free periods, and after and before school. Fourteen states ban phones in school. 61 percent agree they would help by BANNING cell phones from school. 

At SMHS teachers pick up phones and email an administrator to come get it. Students are allowed to get it back at dismissal. The policy says students shall be restricted from using electronic signaling devices, such as cell phones and pagers during all instructional and passing times, as well as during lunch periods, and from displaying and turning on signaling devices as a distraction. While teachers are teaching students, their cell phones must be turned off and in a pocket holder. IF you are to have your cell phone it must be on silent in your backpack. 

The SMHS cell phone policy is getting out of hand because students have to pay 15 dollars to get their signaling devices back OR their parents have to come to pick them up from the office. Cell phones should be allowed during classes because mobile phones aren’t just distractions at school, they can be tools for safety, connection, and learning when used responsibly.

Creating an environment where schools, parents, and students constructively use phones is possible, allowing phones in school is not just about convenience. Teachers can’t forcibly take anything from students.

Phones should also be allowed for students to stay connected to family and access emergency services if needed. This can improve student safety and well-being.  

In summary, Students should be able to have their phones near them at all times due to family emergencies, something going on, etc. SOME teachers and administrators do not understand what the students are going through. It’s unfair to us how much work we put into school and never get a chance to keep our phones close to us.  At least SMHS can stop the phone policy and give us a chance. We come to school ready to work day by day 8am-4:15pm and with one look at the phone, we get in trouble. SMHS, If this is discipline, then discipline us right.