Indiana Phone Law’s Effect on BHS

The new phone law in Indiana mandates that schools make a policy requiring students to have their phones and other wireless devices away during instructional time. BHS’s own policy allows students to have their phones in the hallway during passing period and lunch only, unless there is an emergency that a device is needed for. Students and teachers seem to have different opinions on this state-wide law.  

 Some students seem to agree that the law is a positive thing: “Most of the time, some kids may think having their phones is actually a good thing, but it’s really not because looking at your phone can make you miss important things even if you don’t think you’re missing anything,” freshman Jakayla Stewart, who agrees with the law, said.  

People who agree with the law say having a requirement to keep phones away may help students put more of their attention towards class instead of getting distracted if looking at their phone was previously a problem they had during class.  

Despite the positive opinions, some students think the law will have a negative impact: “I think that if someone doesn’t want to focus in class or doesn’t do well, the phone is not the reason. I mean, I know students who were never on their phones and got Cs. I was on my phone all the time, and in Spanish, I finished with over 100%,” sophomore Alexis Winings, who disagrees with the law, said.  

While it depends on the student, some don’t agree that it will be effective or helpful towards their grades and attendance during class. Students see the law as unsafe, because if an emergency happens and they don’t have their phones on hand, they can’t immediately contact family.  

Classroom rules are being enforced here at BHS now that the law is in place. Though it depends on the teacher, some have chosen phone pockets as a way to help students not be distracted during class. “I would say that I strongly encourage the students to put their cell phones in a neutral location where they have no temptations or distractions,” said Julie Pardue, a World Language teacher who is one of the many teachers using phone pockets in their classrooms.  

Pardue uses these pockets as an optional safe place for students, so they don’t have to worry about getting in trouble from having phones out during class. While this is not mandatory, Pardue feels this method will help create a peaceful learning environment that will allow students to easily stay on task.  

BHS’s personal phone policy details the punishments that are enforced if a student is caught on their phone. The first time in a class will result in the teacher taking the student’s phone and parent or guardian contact. The second time, the office takes the phone until the end of the day and a parent or guardian is again contacted. Finally, the third time will result in it being confiscated by the office and a parent or guardian is required to come pick it up.