Are phones really the enemy of learning, or are they just easy to blame? At Berkshire, the new phone policy bans phone usage during the school day in order to enhance classroom focus and encourage in-person connections. While this policy might seem fair to some, others may view it as a punishment.
Generally, in schools, phones are seen as “distractors” because they interfere with students’ and teachers’ focus and performance both in and outside the classroom. Due to the phones’ significant cognitive load, they could cause lower concentration levels and mental performance in academic settings, as well as slower reaction times in sports. In social environments, phones discourage in-person interactions and make it difficult for students to live in the moment. In fact, the presence of a phone, even when not in use, could make people less engaged and distant when having everyday conversations. Overall, unrestrained access to phones threatens a community’s ability to be fully present and engaged in daily school life.
However, some might believe that a strict phone policy ignores the phones’ benefits, of course, if used properly. By taking away the privilege of using phones during the school day, we may cut off crucial opportunities for boarding school students, especially international students, from connecting with their families. Consequently, the students could feel increased homesickness and stress during the day. Instead of banning phone usage throughout the entire academic day, high schools should focus on teaching how to responsibly manage screen time. When high school students enter university and adult life, no one will confiscate their phone to prevent them from procrastinating or getting sidetracked; they will be in charge of themselves. By helping high schoolers practice healthy phone habits, schools can prepare them for their future lives. Without letting them exercise this responsibility now, young adults might end up struggling more in the future.
The phone policy should help students make the right decisions, not control their actions. Although it is important to minimize classroom distractions during the academic day, it is equally crucial to reflect on the effects of banning cell phone usage during the day. It may appear to be helping, but there are potential negative effects for students in the future, such as making them too reliant on explicit adult supervision, instead of trusting their self-discipline.
Still, while Berkshire’s current phone policy may have some negative consequences, it is what our community believes is optimal for encouraging students to become the best versions of themselves.
