This fall, students at Fallston High School are adjusting to a major shift in daily routine: a new county-wide phone policy that requires students to store their phones in their lockers for the school day. The policy, introduced by the county in an effort to decrease distractions and improve academic performance/focus, has sparked a wide range of reactions from students, parents, and teachers.
Principal Mr. Collins explained concerns about the impact of phones on student focus and mental health. “There’s a book called The Anxious Generation,” he said, “which highlights the fact that phones have really contributed to school anxiety and distraction.” Mr. Collins explained that it’s the building’s job to manage phone use, as it has increasingly affected students’ mental health, ability to focus, and academic performance as well. “The pendulum has swung too far with phones, and it has got to swing back,” he said.
Teachers have already noticed a difference in classroom dynamics since the policy was introduced. Language classes such as Spanish are often affected by phone use because of AI and Google Translate. “If they don’t have the means to translate on their phones, then they’re kind of forced to do stuff on their own,” Señora Williams stated in support of the policy.
Students, however, are still adjusting. Many students argue that it is necessary to have their phone on them during the day in case of an emergency, medical issue, and/or safety in general. “If something were to happen during the school day, I’d rather have my phone on me in case I need to contact anyone,” student Carmella Rodriguez expressed.
While some students are struggling with the new policy, others are finding it beneficial to better focus on their notes and schoolwork during class. Regan McLaughlin, a junior, expressed that the policy has “helped [her] focus on class lectures and assignments much better.”
“When it’s difficult to discipline myself,” Adelyn Mai said, “I kind of like that we have to put our phones away. It lets me be able to utilize the time I have at school for classwork and even have time for homework. It pays off so much when I go home and have free time because I didn’t spend all day slacking on work until I got home.”
As FHS settles into this new policy, conversation continues to spark around students and teachers. While some students remain concerned about safety and accessibility, others are already noticing improvements in their academic focus. This policy marks a shift in how the county is addressing the growing influence of technology and AI in education.
