In today’s day and age cell phones have become incorporated in almost everything we do. A new rule was implemented this school year: no cell phones during the school day.

Mount Pisgah has three “norms”: curiosity, kindness and presence that students and faculty practice each day. However, when we have access to our phones all day are we really being present? 

The new cell phone policy was put into place after the faculty noticed that when we were on our phones, even if it was just for a break, we weren’t being fully present with our classmates and in the classroom.

“Once the new phone policy started we could see the difference in student communication between teachers and their peers,” said Diane Nardella.

Most students immediately saw the new policy as a negative. No more texting our friends, no gaming during study hall, no listening to music. While those things were fun to do, there are also so many positive things that come from this new rule. 

Students shared that because of the cell phone policy, they now are able to be more productive and focused in school. Is it just me or was it hard to stay focused on schoolwork during study hall when I had my phone right there?

Take a moment to think about the cafeteria last year. Were you on your phone playing games or were you socializing with your friends? I found that in my friend group when we didn’t have our phones at the lunch table we were talking a lot more. 

According to an Education Week analysis,  “At least 16 states have passed laws or enacted policies that ban or restrict students’ use of cellphones in schools statewide or recommend local districts enact their own bans or restrictive policies.”  

Mount Pisgah is following a trend that is being experienced in states and schools nationwide.

While this hasn’t been the most popular policy for our student body,  I think we can all agree that the teachers and administration have our best interest in mind. Now we are able to be fully present in school and with our Mount Pisgah community.