Our local school, Mountain View-Gotebo Public Schools, recently announced a new policy requiring students to lock their phones in a designated lockbox at the start of the school day, beginning next semester. The goal is to reduce distractions and promote better focus.
While I understand the rationale, I still have concerns about the potential consequences, especially regarding safety and communication.
The school has assured parents that safety remains paramount. According to their letter, each classroom has a phone, every teacher has a cell phone, and many use the RAVE app—a tool designed to alert law enforcement and emergency personnel in case of an incident. The school also practices regular safety drills and has a process for alerting all staff. While these measures are reassuring, I wonder if they truly address all scenarios where a student might need immediate access to their own phone.
For instance, what happens if a student is hurt or finds themselves in an unexpected situation outside the classroom, like in the restroom or during a transition between classes? Phones aren’t just distractions; they’re tools for safety and connection, especially in emergencies.
Another concern is how students will react to this new policy. Let’s face it: kids are clever and may find ways to circumvent the rule, which could create unnecessary tension between students and staff. Wouldn’t it be more effective to educate students on responsible phone use rather than enforcing a complete ban during school hours?
To the school’s credit, they’ve promised to send out more information about how students can contact parents, check out during the day, and retrieve their devices after school. I look forward to hearing those details and hope they provide practical solutions to these concerns.
Ultimately, I appreciate the school’s focus on improving education and safety. I believe, however, a balanced approach—like allowing phone use during breaks or emergencies—might achieve the same goals without taking away a valuable safety tool.
What are your thoughts? Do you support this policy, or do you think there’s a better way to balance focus and safety? Let’s start a conversation.
