Cell Phone Ban (Interviews)

By: Yulie K. ‘25

What are your initial thoughts and views about the phone ban? What do you think about having to put your phone away before class?

“I don’t think we should be on our phones in class. Last year when teachers didn't care when you were on your phone, you would get what you give to the lesson. I didn’t have any issues with the policy except for when [Ms. Fetting] said that we weren't going to be able to have our phones for the entire day because that’s like matter of a safety issue.”

• Alicia Gandsas, BMS ‘25

“Originally, I really hated it, and I still kinda really hate it. Personally, I’m not on my phone much during class, so it’s not a problem for me. I get what [the administration is] trying to do with the policy—especially with freshmen and sophomores in the halls playing games and being unaware. But I think there are better ways to address the issue than an outright ban.”

• Grayson Mickel, Gilman ‘25

“I don’t use my phone during class so I’m not bothered by that policy. But the idea of not being able to have my phone on the walk to different campuses feels unsafe and I’m not comfortable with having no form of communication when I’m away from my school. Also, I’ve heard that the schools plan to take our phones for the entire day, including passing periods, which scares me because if there is an emergency that could potentially threaten my safety I will not be able to call 911 or my parents.”

• Eva Killingstad, RPCS ‘25

What feedback would you give to help the phone policy work better for students?

“I think no phone time is fine during class or community events and lunch. We generally put our phones in our backpacks then. But you can’t keep us from having our phones when we’re walking around campus. There have been lockdowns, and parents give us phones to contact them. In the real world, we depend on technology, so I don’t see that as a valid reason. I get wanting us to be present during events, though.”

• Alicia Gandsas, BMS ‘25

“During community time, like advisory and assemblies, putting our phones away makes sense for engagement. But during passing periods, it feels unnecessary. In today’s world, students need their phones for communication and leisure. If I’m having a rough day and want to listen to music, I should be able to. It’s unreasonable to punish me for having headphones in because maybe I just don’t feel like talking.”

• Grayson Mickel, Gilman ‘25

“I think if they must take our phones during the walk to different campuses, we at least need to have some sort of communication system on the paths we take, such as the blue light you see on college campuses. I don’t see any problem with having to put our phones away during community times, but there are definitely safety concerns if we can’t have our phones when we are alone.”

• Eva Killingstad, RPCS ‘25

What potential impacts do you see from having to turn in your phone on Fridays?

“I think that it’s going to shift the focus from bonding with peers to complaining about not having our phones. Students might try to find ways to get their phones or just spend the time frustrated, which defeats the purpose.”

• Alicia Gandsas, BMS ‘25

“It might help break some students’ phone addictions, and I think there are clear upsides to the policy. But it could lead to confusion about schedules and organization. I often text my friends to ask about whether we have assembly or advisory or even where we’re eating for lunch. Phones play a big role in communication, and without them, there would definitely be issues. I check my email on my phone, not my laptop, so convenience-wise, phones are positive for students.”

• Grayson Mickel, Gilman ‘25

“I think not having your phone with you can be a good way to communicate with peers more actively. Again though, I feel we’d need to be given back our phones for leaving campus. It would also be a hassle to have to read my emails and send emails on my computer while I am trying to walk around campus, a phone is much more convenient. Especially if there is a lightning alert, my computer will not give me the notification if it is closed and in my backpack which it would be if I am walking outside.”

• Eva Killingstad, RPCS ‘25

What alternatives to this phone ban might you suggest to manage phone use in school?

“I’d say don’t take them for the whole day. I get it for middle schoolers since they don’t leave campus, but high schoolers have more responsibilities that require a phone. It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to turn in their phones.”

• Alicia Gandsas, BMS ‘25

“I know it’s not this simple, but people can choose to put their phones away if they want to practice self-control. I think it’s fine to ban phones in class—like how we put them in a bin or pocket. But in the hallways and during free time, it feels unnecessary. I have a job and an internship outside of school, and my boss communicates with me and expects fast replies. I don’t bring our my laptop to check my texts every 30 minutes and today I even forgot my laptop and I haven’t been able to check anything so if I didn’t have my phone, I’d be screwed.”

• Grayson Mickel, Gilman ‘25

“It makes total sense to take phones during class. Outside of class, I think deciding whether or not to go on your phone should be a personal choice. I think educating students about the benefits of putting their phones away and being more present would be a great idea, that way people can make educated decisions with that information.”

• Eva Killingstad, RPCS ‘25