Opinion

Opinion Roundup: Students consider a possible cell-phone ban in schools and reflect on the device policy at THHS

Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Roundup Manager • October 21, 2024

Students share their opinions about a potential cell phone ban.

This year, the NYC Department of Education has had many discussions regarding a possible cell phone ban in New York City schools. The idea of this ban has raised a lot of conversation from parents, teachers, school administrators, and students as convenience, budgets, and safety are all important factors to consider if this ban were to be initiated. While the NYC DOE has not yet taken these measures, there has been one change in the way Townsend Harris High School is handling the use of electronic devices on school grounds. In September, students received a message from the Deans’ Office saying that students cannot use earbuds and headphones in the halls. In addition, when students sign out to go to the bathroom, they must leave their phones in their backpacks. Otherwise, cell phone use in class is up to teachers. They can allow students to use phones during class or require that they put them away. As such, several teachers began prohibiting the use of cell phones in their classrooms at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and some have even included it into their class syllabus.

Students and faculty at THHS were interviewed on how they feel about a possible cell phone ban and some of the current policies surrounding phones/electronics at THHS:

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“I think that a complete cell-phone ban would be pretty upsetting to me. As a freshman, I depend on my phone for a lot of reasons: my schedule, trying to navigate to club meetings, which also comes with knowing when [the meetings] are, etc. Also, I feel mixed emotions about potentially stricter policies on cell phones. I like to use my phone during school hours especially because it’s still hard for me to navigate around the school. Having access to my schedule on my phone helps me to find my way around faster as well as write down what homework I have for the week or check emails and notifications. I think that students here at THHS are already really focused [on school work] and I don’t really see many students having an issue with being on their phones during class time.”

— Freshman Afarah Cruz-Tillery

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“A cell-phone ban will anger more students. . . some of them can still find the best ways to sneak their phones [around school]. Why should we risk the chance of decreasing our safety, convenience, and city education budgets just to move forward with banning phones? As for the policies here at school, I feel like THHS faculty decided to [make] the policies regarding cell phones [more strict] this year because last year a lot of kids would abuse their ability to have their phones and it would often distract people during their class lessons. However, I don’t agree that I shouldn’t be allowed to take my phone to the bathroom in case there is an emergency and I need to contact somebody. Honestly, I don’t think the new policies will help students focus more because I feel like kids will still defy the rules and sneak onto their phones during class time just like last year.”

— Sophomore Kristen Lee

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“A cell-phone ban would be outrageous. To restrict communication is such a flawed mistake. There are bigger things the NYC DOE can focus on when it comes to bettering the school and limiting students’ communication isn’t one of them. Personally, my phone goes with me everywhere, so I think a stricter cell-phone policy [at THHS] is unnecessary because students are still going to find a way to maneuver with their phones. In the hallways, you’re outside of class so this isn’t a disturbance to you if you’re on your phone. I typically use my phone for the empty parts of class or when I’m already done with instruction, and restricting phones will just make class feel insufferable and longer.”

— Senior Sanikoy Bryan

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“I prefer that students use pen and paper over electronic devices to take class notes in my classroom because the freedom of being able to use your cellular device is just too tempting. When you are in the school setting, you shouldn’t be using your device. I see students using their phones way too often. It has become too much. Overall, the students here are very respectful and they do follow rules so I think as the year goes on they will learn to comply [in a potential new policy]. In the end the purpose…is to have a positive effect and help students pay attention and stay focused [in school].”

— French Teacher Caroline Lopera

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About the Contributors

Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Roundup Manager

Brailyn is a sophomore at THHS. She enjoys reading, journaling, and listening to music. She also loves to spend time in parks, bookshops, and playing volleyball.

Samira Li, Photography Editor

Samira is a senior at Townsend Harris High School. She’s been into photography since joining the Classic and loves to explore new cameras. She enjoys spending time with her friends and exploring new things as they come.