By Soma Long.
In Crestone Charter School (CCS), students from middle school through high school are experiencing a cell phone dilemma.
According to school policy, “Telephones are not allowed in class. Keep phones in your cubby or backpack during class.” The policy is listed on the school’s website at crestonecharterschool.org.
Students argue that they need their phones for things like calling or texting parents for important reasons or for after-school pick up.
Students also claim music on phones is helpful for focusing and studying. Teachers argue that students are distracted by phones; looking at videos, texting, and other uses.
Some teachers are frustrated that students won’t leave their phones in their cubbies or backpacks.
The results from a recent anonymous survey to teachers and students in our community appear to indicate that the current cell phone policy is not working. A total of 10 students and teachers, combined, responded to the survey.
Observations would suggest that students spend several minutes—if not hours—on their phones.
Middle school and high school students distract themselves and others with their constant cell phone usage.
Some students said that they have accountability for phones and have no need for them in class but a majority repeatedly show dishonesty of their own cell phone accountability.
Students also brought up that some kids disobey teachers’ requests to get off their phones. Some teachers don’t know how to enforce the cell phone policy while other teachers are more disciplinary.
Most teachers have mentioned that the whole school should have the same policy no matter grade or age.