In early May 2024, Harwood Union High School announced they would put a phone ban into effect starting in the fall of 2024. This sparked abundant chatter throughout classrooms and the hallways. How is this going to work? What if there is an emergency? What prompted this? So many unanswered questions floating around the school campus.
As of right now, it is still being determined how the phone ban will be enforced. What solution will have the greatest positive impact on the greatest amount of people? There are multiple proposals on how the admin should enforce the ban: teacher’s choice, hybrid, etc. But which one will be the most effective?
One of the biggest reasons behind banning cell phones at Harwood is concerns about distraction. According to NBC News “Around the country, educators say students routinely send Snapchat messages in class, listen to music, and shop online, among countless other examples of how smartphones distract from teaching and learning.” Many students leave their phones in front of them on their desks, constantly receiving notifications that continually compel students to check their phones, which could result in the student getting in trouble or missing an important lesson. A study by the London School of Economics found that test scores improved significantly in schools with cell phone bans. Staff and administration hope to mirror these positive outcomes at Harwood.
As we move closer to this transition students and faculty members must share their ideas and thoughts on what they believe will be the best solution for the greatest amount of people. The HUMHS Newsletter sent out on May 17th talks more about this new change, stating “There is much more to learn and understand from each other in order to continue collectively creating a learning environment where ALL students, staff, and families feel a sense of belonging.”
It will be challenging, but in the end, the goal is to create a more focused educational environment at Harwood.
There will be a whole school dialogue in June, along with a community dialogue on May 29 at 6 P.M for staff, students, and community members to discuss.
