The world revolves around electronic devices like phones and ever-evolving technology that has created new opportunities for an entire generation. However, this technology has its pros and cons, especially when it comes to school.

The San Diego Unified School District rules that all students in high school grades 9-12 must keep these electronic devices out of sight and turned off during classes. The policy also states that unauthorized use of cell phones is a distraction and disrupts the learning environment inside of a classroom. Many studies have shown that cell phones are a distraction and can be linked to lower academic achievement, so how do Hoover students perform without their phones in class?

For many teachers at Hoover, the phone policy has been a positive change inside their classrooms.

“I have definitely seen a difference this year with the new phone policy,” expressed psychology teacher Mrs. Yamfang. “Without their phones, they are more social – which is great – because since COVID, students have had a harder time interacting with each other in person.  Anecdotally, they seem more focused & seem to complete their work more than they used to (without the phone policy).”

Mrs. Yamfang is not the only teacher who has noticed changes in the students as a result of the phone policy.

“The students are much more focused on work without their phones around” stated history teacher, Ms. Kha.

Although there are pros that have come with the new phone policy, it is also important to consider the cons. Many students would prefer to have their phones on them throughout the day, whether that be for safety reasons, or because they need to contact their parents. The policy states that students are allowed to use their phones at lunch and before and after school, but in this day and age, the usage of cell phones is unavoidable, so a policy that considers all factors would address the concerns of both students and teachers.