Starting in January 2025, cell phone usage, as well as social media, will be completely banned for students in LAUSD throughout the entire school day. This ban has sparked controversy over the safety, ethics and practicality of completely phoneless school days.
Most teenagers already find it difficult to get up and go to school every morning. With the stress of classes, extracurriculars and college applications looming, the average teenager would heavily resist these restrictions and might consider skipping school more often.
Student absences are already a major problem in several California school districts, which all rely on student attendance for funding.
On average, state schools lose $3.6 billion annually due to student absences alone. If school becomes a less desirable place for students, forced budget cuts could eliminate important programs like theater, art classes and other electives, and lead to a decline in the quality of campus facilities.
A major issue we are already facing at PVHS is the state of our classrooms, bathrooms and sports facilities. If budget cuts were to affect our school, these problems would continue to worsen.
Additionally, many concerns arise regarding the banning of phones in emergency situations. Being in a lockdown without access to a personal cell phone could be incredibly distressing for students, as many people’s first instinct would be to contact a parent or friend for support.
Parents might feel uneasy sending their children to school knowing they cannot maintain contact and will be entirely reliant on school emails for emergency alerts.
While many agree that heavily restricting cell phone usage in elementary and middle school is a good idea, it may not be necessary for upperclassmen in high school.
Taking away the personal property of seventeen- and eighteen-year-olds could send a message of distrust. Instead of being treated like adults capable of responsibly putting away their devices, some older students might feel they aren’t trusted to take accountability for their actions.
Most high school students will follow directions from teachers, but by not giving them an option, administrators may be signaling an expectation of immaturity.
Banning phones could lead to a wide array of problems and complications that outweigh the benefits. Trusting students to properly handle their cell phones during school hours creates a safer and more responsible learning environment.