New cell phone policy

FCPS IMPLEMENTS NEW CELL PHONE POLICY

New protocols enacted to minimize phone use in class

Zachary ammar reporter

As students began the new school year, they encountered new expectations regarding the use of cell phones during the school day. On June 16, the Fairfax County School Board voted to alter the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) to restrict the use of phones and phone accessories for the 2022-23 school year.

The policy has different requirements for students in elementary, middle and high schools. High school students are permitted to use phones before and after school as well as during passing periods and lunches.

“When it first came out, I was kind of like, I don’t know if I want another struggle,” Principal Ellen Reilly said. “But I think that part of our responsibility is to teach [students] how to use their phones appropriately.”

According to the new cell phone guidelines, phones and accessories such as AirPods must be silenced and out of sight during class time. Similarly, phone features on smart watches must be turned off when phone use is prohibited. The new policies go beyond in-class instruction. Students are also banned from taking technology into restrooms and locker rooms.

Last year, Herndon High School, Herndon Middle School and Cooper Middle School strengthened their cell phone policies, which motivated FCPS to implement a county-wide policy. The policy is a significant shift for students who previously could use phones in class when permitted by teachers. Prior to the update, the SR&R did not have established rules and consequences for phone use during class time.

“Several schools tried to reduce cell phone use and saw a positive difference. We asked principals what they were seeing and what their recommendations were for cell phone use. Not all agreed, but many felt that a district policy would be helpful,” Fairfax County School Board Dranesville District Representative Elaine Tholen said.

“I think it’s a little unnecessary,” senior Jeremy Jeannot said. “You can only do so much to stop high school kids from using their phones, especially in this day and age.”

Many students are unhappy with the policy change and feel that the adjustment is unnecessary. Opponents believe that high school students are responsible enough to handle their personal phone usage.

“If you really think about it, no colleges ban the use of cell phones or try to restrict

new phone policy

Phones [and their accessories] must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods.

Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc. during classes, and students are prohibited from using phones, tablets and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms. them in the classroom. It’s on the student whether he or she wants to learn or not,” senior Matthew Helfrich said. “I don’t think [the policy is] realistic.”

While many students are strongly opposed to the policy changes, teachers feel that it helps students improve their focus in the classroom.

“I am in favor of less cell phone usage, which I know is not the most popular among students,” Social Studeies teacher Amanda Williams said. “From a teacher’s perspective I feel like students are focusing in class a lot better than any years past.”

There is a small percentage of students who agree that the new cell phone policy has helped them do better in the classroom.

YOU CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH TO STOP HIGH SCHOOL KIDS FROM USING THEIR PHONES.”

- JEREMY JEANNOT SENIOR

“I generally don’t 100 percent agree with it, I have been able to get my work done quicker and I’ve been doing well on recent tests,” senior Jayden Vargas said.

There are also many distinct opinions on how the phone policy should be enforced.

“During a period, usually there is some time at the end of class where we have nothing to do. At that time, going on our phones should [be allowed],” senior Chris Morabito said.

On Sept. 20, McLean released a survey regarding students’ opinions about the phone policy. The survey recorded students’ emails and included questions that were slanted in favor of the policy, potentially dissuading students from sharing negative comments about the changes.

“Share a positive impact that you have noticed since the phone policy started this year,” a required question on the survey said.

Despite mixed opinions regarding the new phone policy, McLean remains fully committed to implementing the changes.

“The whole school needs to be on the same page,” Reilly said. “We’re going to do this, and we’re going all the way in.”